Breaking Free: One Patient’s Cannabis Experience with Complex Health Issues
One Patient's Cannabis Success Story
Dr C: The patient in this Q&A experiences several challenging lifelongconditions, each affecting their physical and mental health. Here’s a simple breakdown of these conditions to help better understand their journey:
Hemiparesis: This is muscle weakness or partial paralysis on one side of the body. It can make movement more difficult and cause discomfort or pain.
Schizencephaly: A rare brain condition that affects how the brain develops. It can cause problems with movement, coordination, or other functions, though its impact varies from person to person.
Anxiety: A feeling of worry or fear that can sometimes be overwhelming. It may cause physical symptoms like a racing heart, restlessness, or difficulty concentrating.
Insomnia: Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. It can lead to feeling tired during the day and affect daily functioning.
Suicidal Thoughts: Thoughts about wanting to harm oneself or end one’s life, which can be very distressing and require support.
OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder): A condition that causes persistent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions), often aimed at reducing anxiety or discomfort.
Dr C: Living with hemiparesis can present unique physical challenges—how has cannabis helped you manage those symptoms, and have you noticed any improvements in mobility or pain relief?
In the past year, my hemiparesis has been affecting me more than ever before. I have had injuries and chronic pain as a result. Cannabis has helped soothe some of the pain as well as helping my emotional state during this difficult period.
Dr C: Schizencephaly is a rare condition—can you share how cannabis has impacted your daily life, and whether it’s helped with managing any neurological symptoms or related discomfort?
I had never sought treatment for my schizencephaly aside from having it diagnosed as a child. It hadn't affected me significantly but is possibly causing some issues now that I am being treated for. It's likely the reason for my hemiparesis and visual snow syndrome but as I haven't been diagnosed with other conditions, it's still somewhat of a mystery for me. Not knowing whats happening to your mind and body is very stressful and anxiety provoking though and cannabis has been helpful in keeping myself collected emotionally and even helps with migraines that I get regularly.
Dr C: Anxiety can be overwhelming at times—how has cannabis helped you manage episodes of anxiety, and have you found it more effective in reducing the frequency or intensity of those moments?
As I have mentioned before, my health has been a huge source of stress and anxiety for me, especially this year. I find myself behaving unreasonably and I often panic if it gets bad enough. Its easy to lose yourself in thought. Using cannabis products is partially a distraction from my stressors but, for me, it brings down my big emotions whatever that may be at the time. I'm able to stop and take a step back to reflect on my feelings and figure out a less destructive way to ease my mind.
Dr C: Insomnia is a challenge many face—what role has cannabis played in your sleep routine, and how does it compare to other methods you’ve tried for falling and staying asleep?
I've been using indica products at night to help me get to sleep and it works better and faster than melatonin. In my experience, melatonin and other sleeping aids haven't helped me fall asleep but a little cannabis goes a long way and I'm able to sleep through the night.
Dr C: Dealing with suicidal thoughts can be incredibly difficult—has cannabis played a part in helping you cope with those darker moments, and if so, how has it affected your mental health overall?
It definitely is challenging and for this, I use cannabis as a distraction. I get stuck in my head and its difficult to come out of that but when I use cannabis, I'm able to appreciate the moment more and stop thinking about whatever was dragging me down for a period.
Dr C: OCD often brings a lot of mental and emotional strain—has cannabis helped you manage the compulsions or intrusive thoughts, and if so, how has it changed your day-to-day life?
I've definitely noticed a change with my OCD. I used to have pretty persistent intrusive thoughts as well as a door locking compulsion that has been quite a bit better since using cannabis. I don't do my compulsion as much and generally have less intrusive thoughts.
Thank you!
Dr C: Thank you to my patient and to the many I don’t know personally for sharing your deeply personal journeys with such openness and courage. The simple stories and raw words offer comfort and hope to others facing similar challenges, and I believe these stories will inspire many to find strength in their own experiences. I am truly grateful for your willingness to help others feel seen and supported.
We have a new world to build, together!