By: Mike Robinson, Global Cannabis Educator and Creator of ECS Balance Control

It's weird to think that January will mark 7 years since I put down the Pharma Oxy, Fentanyl, and went through the withdrawal to end that cycle - after 24 years. CBGa empowered THC, but it was odd how I had to stay with the metabolic hemp extract for a few months, and break the THC cycle too, as I was using up to 3 G a day before that for cancer, which showed me there were some flaws in a few things.

One was how 'RSO' is pushed for almost everything; it was in 2019, over 6 years ago, that I started working with other types of extracts and first created what is now called an "MC Oil". They had zero THC. I couldn't use much at all, or it would make me sick. I overloaded my ECS over the years of fighting Cancer, and when I put down the opioids, my GI no longer would relax to handle all that oil.

So, I did not have a reaction to THC; I couldn't use it as it made me dizzy. My response was to quit pharma after 2.5 decades of serious painkiller addiction.

During the Purdue days, we were all sent to pain management. Anyone with any 'proof' of an injury seriously got a ton of all the crap that was made - I'm unsure about others, but Oxy was introduced to me as 'Non Addictive' nearly 30 years ago.

There are so many ways to use cannabinoids:

So, back to the flaws, and the biggest one was what I used to do! Wow, I had to go back to the drawing board after giving away tons of Cannabis oils for years while fighting cancer, but what I've found is that people love the feeling of THC. I know I do...

I used to take the meds with oils long ago, when I could have just taken oils and ridden out that fearful and dreaded withdrawal. I pushed it off and argued with anyone who told me I no longer needed Oxy. When I look back on those days? Pain didn't lead as a reason to take a pill after decades, trauma, inability to sleep, holding off withdrawal while using as few as possible, were the reasons.

I realized I was a legal junkie to Pharma and to Opioids. Genevieve lost her bio to them, and who was I as her new 'Daddy' to continue?

I'd heard of so many accidental overdoses, and one of the most significant events leading to quitting on my own - denying future refills and taping bottles shut - was passing out with a Fentanyl patch on my shoulder in the sun. I'd used them for a decade and was never told to stay out of the sun while wearing them.

The fact I'm still alive after all these cancers, the harsh 2.5 decade-long addiction that started with a racing wreck, continued with brutal seizures over the following years and injuries from the wreck, then was continued due to 2 decades of cancers on/off - it's all like a dream right now.

I have a beautiful life with a gorgeous lady and my girls, a family that loves each other.

When we're deep in addiction, all we can see is darkness. It takes the pills or substance to see joy, and that's such a sugar-coated, drugged version of reality that doesn't exist.

But what if you get sick again?

I had a firm exit plan that allowed use if I got Cancer again, and I did in December 2022, but it was so hard to take pills. I needed counseling because of it, and it seemed to really irritate everyone at the Cancer Treatment Center that I turned down their entire treatment plan (thankfully), but accepted the Nutritionist and Counselor.

I used some 5mg doses but wow it was so not worth following that exit plan, clinical use when inpatient for surgical post surgical makes sense - after that you start becoming a slave so fast and I caught onto that after being released from the hospital with a script in Jan 2023 - that's when the Therapist was called in.

The fear of withdrawal is often the reason people don't quit a pharmaceutical

I did not fear Cancer much but I feared addiction to those pills. I would only take one at night so I could sleep without intense pain after coming home from exploratory abdominal surgery - and an internal trauma, meaning the screwed up and hitting a few things.

If you read this all, and are using Opioids? Make sure that every single dose you take is medically necessary. I wish I had considered that - but I didn't. A harsh convo that shook me up could have spurred that morning dose - and without it, the only reason it would be taken later is I'd start to feel sick.

The hardest part for everyone who used Opioids and Quit? Wasn't always the withdrawal, we'd toughen out through that - it was the FEAR of Quitting, the Fear of the Withdrawal - and then 'what will life be like without these'?

The answer?

FREEDOM, so beautiful to have all to yourself - in your own mind once again. No longer do you watch the people who aren't going through what you are, and you start to live life again however you can. Gratitude takes over, and quickly we see the flaws in all of what mankind offers in comparison to Mother Earth.

About Mike Robinson

Mike Robinson, founder of the Global Cannabinoid Research Center in Santa Barbara, California, epitomizes resilience and innovation in cannabinoid medicine. His expertise is not only grounded in practical application but also in academic rigor, as evidenced by his role as a published researcher, journalist, and internationally recognized cannabinoid research specialist. Mike Robinson's journey is one of personal triumph over adversity and profound contributions to cannabinoid research and patient care, making him a luminary in plant-based medicine.

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Effective Cannabis Newsletter is a platform to educate on the vital role of the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) in one's health. The information is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images, and information contained in or available through this newsletter is for general information purposes only. It is not medical advice; it is health awareness.