Using cannabis to cope with emotional challenges is a hot topic these days, (perhaps now more than ever before!) But it’s not every day you get to hear from someone who’s navigated it as a lifeline, a science project, and a triumph over stigma. In this first interview episode of The Green Table Talk Podcast, we sit down with the remarkable story of Dr Steve—a military veteran and PhD psychologist who found unexpected solace in cannabis after a long battle with PTSD and anxiety.
Steve’s journey is an inspiring one, marked by decades of misconceptions and stigma. He recalls a time when cannabis was just “weed” in college—a grab bag of unknown strains with wildly inconsistent effects. Fast forward to years of struggle with PTSD, and he was left unsatisfied with traditional meds and overwhelmed by the stigma surrounding cannabis. But Steve’s journey with cannabis became more than a personal treatment; it was an experiment. He dove into research, meticulously tracking what worked, what didn’t, and how his treatment could improve with a little scientific curiosity.
Dr. Benjamin Caplan, a longtime cannabis advocate and family physician, guides Steve as he shares his story of overcoming societal hurdles, learning what truly works for his mental health, and becoming, as he puts it, “a bit of a cannabis evangelist.” Their conversation touches on the hurdles and joys of discovering cannabis as a healing tool.
Steve’s candid anecdotes—like figuring out the difference between sativa and indica the hard way, and building a “cheat sheet” for his personal treatment plan—reveal a person truly dedicated to taking control of his health journey.
Take Away Conversation Points:
• Cannabis can be a tailored solution – From edibles to vapes, Steve’s journey shows how cannabis can be adjusted to individual needs.
• Facing stigma is part of the process – Steve had to confront skeptics and overcome bias, but he now finds a sense of empowerment in being a cannabis advocate.
• Traditional medications don’t work for everyone – Steve describes the “cotton wool brain” feeling he had with benzos and why he found cannabis to be a better fit.
• Research and trial-and-error can lead to big breakthroughs – Steve became his own researcher, using trial-and-error to fine-tune his use of cannabis to manage anxiety.
Why This Matters:
Steve’s story reminds us that cannabis therapy isn’t just about finding the right strain; it’s about finding relief, breaking past years of stigma, and having more control over one’s mental health. Whether you’re curious about cannabis, considering it as a therapy, or simply seeking insight into an uncharted medical world, Steve’s experience sheds light on what cannabis could mean for someone facing similar challenges. His tale resonates because it’s raw, relatable, and a reminder that with the right information and support, alternative paths to healing can become life-changing journeys.
Topics We Cover:
• PTSD and cannabis as an alternative therapy
• The struggle with mental health stigma in medical cannabis
• Anxiety, traditional meds, and the search for alternatives
• Importance of patient-led research and personal experimentation
• Empowerment in taking control of one’s health journey
So, if you’re ready for a real conversation about cannabis, trauma, and self-empowerment, listen to The Green Table Talk Podcast. Steve’s story just might inspire you to explore the potential of cannabis for healing—or, at the very least, it’ll leave you with a newfound appreciation for a well-curated vape pen collection.
The Green Table Talk Podcast on YouTube
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Breaking the Stigma: Dr Steve’s Unlikely Journey with Cannabis and PTSD