Submitted by Honey W. from Shelby Township, Michigan

70 yrs old living in Shelby Township, I’m living my best life ever after learning how to use Cannabis properly. I didn’t know there were formulas for using this plant and safety considerations about its origin! Contamination nearly killed me. Because I didn’t know there were so many dangers to consider: molds, mildews, pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, and heavy metals! This live plant had its own serious issues to deal with before it could ever help me. But how would I ever know if the plants I used were free from those toxins?

I had a perfect womanly storm!

A walloping dose of menopause, a diagnosis of myalgic encephalitis, along with a genetic predisposition to arthritis and “crazy” SuperGirl moment trying to lift something way too heavy over my head that caused permanent neuropathy in the tips of my fingers… that still makes running water feel like razor blades. Anxiety, depression, and brain fog accompanied weight gain, constant nausea, sleeplessness, diarrhea and other gut issues, more loss of energy, and the list goes on.

Decades of trying Dr’s orders left me one foot in the grave

I HAD to take control of my life force and nurture it back to health because the American Medical System of Sickcare had failed me! That doctor dance I’d done for 60 years wasn’t working and I felt like I was headed for the grave. SYSTEM FAILED ME!

It was an inspired moment, I hoped would lead me to answers

And eventually it did. I needed an alternative! Something to help me with all those symptoms. Then I heard about Sativa University teaching new Cannabis growing classes. From there, I learned how to grow it using the latest Cannabis science with the help of global leaders in the industry. Then I found Dustin Sulak, DO, who runs an organization called Healer, where he teaches real science about plant compounds and their effects on humans and animals. I didn’t realize what an “armchair scientist” this stuff was turning me into but I was instantly hooked. I wiggled my way into the science tribes on LinkedIn and took all the courses I could find for years! Now here I am helping elders learn what they’ve been missing in this ancient, gentle plant therapy alternative.

Whoooa! Pothead! Stoner! Drug Addict!

Yep. I have PTSD from how our politicians gaslighted us for the past 100 years. I lived in fear of incarceration, homelessness, relationships destroyed, and most of all, serious pain that could have been alleviated. But for the naughty shenanigans of our politicians, who knew nothing of this medicinal plant other than THC euphoria. But I’m armed with the truth now.

I’m pretty happy now that I’ve found my sweet spot

Using just the right amount of Cannabis compounds and choices of delivery methods. There are so many considerations when using live plant therapy due to the multitude of wonderful ways we can ingest the products. 

I prefer the more precise dosing of tinctures… and I also smoke the raw Cannabis leaf buds. 

I use a brand new product in a tincture form called Beta-Caryophyllene (BCP) every morning for arthritis pain and anxiety. About 10 drops take effect instantly and last about 8 hours. It’s a terpene that can be found in Cannabis. Then I smoke our Michigan homegrown from seeds I specifically ordered from a respected source and I use a $5.00 wooden pipe to smoke it that looks like my grandpa’s a couple of times a day. And yes, I feel silly smokin a pipe like Granny Clampett on the Beverly Hillbillies, but the relief I get overrides my ego.

I really felt like I was headed for the grave

With one foot already there because of all those very typical womanly ailments I was suffering!
Then Cannabis changed everything. I was no longer nauseated all day; I had developed tolerance and patience for my family. I felt energetic and got off the couch. I felt hopeful and not anxious; I wanted to live again.

Now I have a very full and rich healthy life

All because I took control of my own issues and found alternative methods of relief outside the medical system I grew up in. At almost 71, I am more active, alive, and useful to our community and society at large than ever, teaching women how to use this beautiful, safe plant for typical aches and pain the doctor dance just couldn’t handle.

You too, can learn the fundamentals of Cannabis to begin feeling like your old self again. Learn who to trust, which products to try first for your particular issues, choose which delivery methods to ingest that align with your lifestyle, understand dosing and your sweet spot.

This is Honey’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.

If you need help with any terminology in this article, you may find some answers in our glossary.