Submitted by Scott L. from New Hampshire

I’m 34, live in New Hampshire, and was born in Massachusetts. I’ve lived with anxiety for as long as I can remember, but it intensified as my career took off and the weight of greater responsibility set in. What started as a quiet undercurrent in childhood became harder to ignore as the stakes grew higher.

I was facing constant anxiety

The challenges of racing thoughts and the pressure of navigating growing responsibilities in both my personal and professional life caused me to feel overwhelmed, emotionally drained, disconnected from my body, and stuck in a cycle of “what if” thinking, which made it hard for me to be present or find peace.

Things that I tried before I came to Cannabis were mostly avoidance

I tried to push through the anxiety, pretending it wasn’t there. At times, I leaned on alcohol to cope, but that only numbed the surface without addressing the root. I was hesitant to try pharmaceuticals because addiction runs deep in my family, and I didn’t want to trade one issue for another.

I was largely self-taught

I was diving into studies, books, videos, and conversations with professionals in the Cannabis space. I’ve spent the last decade in the industry, which gave me unique access to insights and resources that many people don’t typically have. And I’m still learning every day.

I struggled with the stigma around Cannabis early on

Growing up, I lumped it in with alcohol and pharmaceuticals, largely because of what I was taught through programs like D.A.R.E. and the environment I was raised in. It wasn’t based on experience, it was based on fear and misinformation. Over time, I began questioning those beliefs, especially after seeing how traditional substances negatively impacted people I loved. As I searched for alternative ways to manage anxiety and pain, both for myself and my grandmother during her cancer journey, my curiosity about Cannabis grew. The turning point came when I managed post-surgery pain exclusively with Cannabis. That experience shattered old narratives and opened my eyes to its potential as a healing tool. I continue to overcome the stigma by staying educated, being intentional with my use, and having open conversations—because stigma thrives in silence, and I believe people deserve access to informed, judgment-free options for their physical and mental health.

Low-THC, terpene-rich flower keeps me balanced

I primarily stick to inhalation (flower) and edibles, and occasionally infused drinks in more social environments. I’ve found that "lower-THC" flower, typically 17% or less, works best for me, especially when paired with the right terpene profile. I tend to seek out strains high in Myrcene (for relaxation), Limonene (for mood elevation), Caryophyllene (for its stress-reducing and anti-inflammatory properties), and Linalool (for calming the nervous system). I consume in low to moderate doses, usually in the evening when I’m winding down, journaling, or reflecting. For edibles, I start low and slow, typically around 2.5–5mg of THC, depending on the day. I also balance that with intentional practices like exercise, sleep, and nutrition to support my endocannabinoid system. This approach helps me most with emotional regulation; it takes the edge off my anxiety, creates space between stimulus and response, and helps me feel grounded without feeling disconnected or numb.

Before incorporating Cannabis for my condition

I often felt stuck in a loop of anxiety, racing thoughts, emotional disconnection, and a constant sense of unease. I avoided my anxiety for years, sometimes using alcohol to cope, which only masked the problem. I struggled to be fully present in my relationships and daily life, and deep down, I worried this was just how things would always be.

Cannabis as a tool for purposeful healing

After incorporating Cannabis to address my health issues, I feel more grounded, more emotionally regulated, and far more present. It didn’t numb me out; it helped me feel more without becoming overwhelmed.

Cannabis helped me reconnect with my body, soften the intensity of my anxiety, and create space between triggers and my reactions. It’s allowed me to show up more fully in my personal life, as a partner, a parent, and a professional. Most importantly, it helped me move from avoidance to purposeful healing.

When used intentionally and paired with things like exercise, sleep, and reflection, it became a tool for emotional regulation, not escape. Cannabis helped me manage my anxiety by creating space between my triggers and my reactions.

This is Scott’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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