I am 41 years old. I am from Amelia, Virginia currently reside in Greensboro, NC. I have been dealing with chronic pain and anxiety for over ten years.

My anxiety was the culprit for my chronic pain

The challenges I was facing were anxiety, depression, and insomnia which caused me to feel depressed, hopeless, sad, miserable, and in pain. The pain would start at the base of my skull and radiate to my neck, upper chest, shoulders and upper back.

Before I started my Cannabis journey

I tried Lexapro and Wellbutrin for my anxiety and depression. I was struggling with the side effects and did not feel like myself. I did this for several years and stopped in 2018 because I did not want to be dependent on prescriptions. I would take ibuprofen and Tylenol for the generalized body aches, headaches, and migraines.

I started exercising and eating a healthy diet taking a different approach to managing my anxiety so I thought. Then, the 2020 COVID pandemic happened and my anxiety worsened.

I am grateful for being in a position to witness firsthand the side effects of medications

But also, as a nurse practitioner, I experienced the same issues my patients were facing. I knew there had to be a better way to combat the side effects of prescriptions and glad I am open-minded to alternative methods. That's when I decided to attend the Cannabis Coaching Institute. I am thankful for the Cannabis science and other techniques I learned including making my own Cannabis medicine.

As an 80s kid, the D.A.R.E program and the frying egg commercial of "this is your brain on drugs" are something I wish I could forget!

My whole life I was taught Cannabis was wrong, as a child, while serving in the military, and working in healthcare since the age of sixteen. I did not touch the plant until 2023 because of the stigma, but now, with the knowledge of Cannabis and its therapeutic benefits, my mission in the Cannabis industry is clear, and that is to be the leading advocate for patients who want to use Cannabis for treatment.

I started by using CBD products

The first was CBDA 5mg in the morning. In 2-3 weeks, I noticed I was not experiencing body aches and could focus without feeling overwhelmed or anxious.

On days that I exercised, I would take CBDA 5mg twice a day as needed to help with post-soreness. At bedtime, I would use a multi-cannabinoid oil-based infusion with CBD, CBDA, CBGA, CBG, THC, and THCA which helped me to relax and fall asleep. I have tried a 2:1 CBG:CBGA tincture before bed to help with sleep, but also for hot flashes since I'm in the perimenopausal phase of my life.

I find that a 2.5mg-5mg THC gummy helps me sleep through the night. If I feel overwhelmed and anxious, I will use a dry herb (flower) vaporizer for immediate relief. I have learned that my body loves limonene terpenes, which enhance my ability to be social, creative, focused, and energetic.

Before incorporating Cannabis for my condition

I was anxious, hypervigilant, depressed, pessimistic, and in pain. I was accepting this to be my life and figured there was no way to improve except to take prescriptions. But now, with Cannabis I can go outside and enjoy taking a walk without worry, pain, or anxiety. I can enjoy the small things in life and minimize my craving for perfection. I can fully embrace myself and I love it!

I may be a nurse practitioner but I'm human too with human problems

I've had several doctor visits trying to figure out why I was in pain. Of course, my doctors would say it's all in your head, you're too young to be in pain and the list goes on. I am thankful to Cannabis and the relief Cannabis brings to my life.

This is Demetria’s personal story and not meant to be medical advice. It is for informational purposes.

To work with a medical Cannabis professional, please visit our directory of coaches, educators, and medical professionals. Everyone's Endocannabinoid System (ECS) is different; good results start with the right approach. You don't have to figure it out on your own.

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