I mean it when I say, Weed Saved My Life. And NO, this isn’t going to be your average “stoner” post. This is my journey with all the medical and medications.

Though, before I really get into it, know I am not a medical professional. I just know what has and hasn’t worked for me and what my doctors and medical treatment team have supported. So in your case, I also encourage you to be open and honest with your medical team.

Here’s the funny thing, I planned on sharing more in-depth about my disabilities, but like most things in my life, I feel compelled to do this backward. I know I’ve shared a bit on Instagram, but I doubt I said anything here yet. But, here goes nothing… Hi, I have Fibromyalgia, Neuropathy, my Migraine Equivalent to Eplipsey,…and some other “fun” stuff, lol. Those basic diagnoses should be good enough to give you a general idea.

This has been a battle for 13+ years now. The migraine part started way back when I was in high school. At that point, I was extremely lucky to find a medication that worked and eventually was able to do without. Though, that changed upon pregnancy with my kiddo, everything came back with a vengeance. And doctors’ only suggestions became an endless cycle of trying out different medications. I became my own guinea pig. Trying adjustments to my life in any way possible.

It was rough!

Lyrica, Depakote, Topamax, Propanol, Amitriptyline, Verapamil, Zofran,….the list of meds goes on and on. Medications to treat the problem, medications to treat the side effects.

It definitely was not easy to function in normal day-to-day life. Medications were required day and night, could never be skipped. None of it was a casual or an “as needed” situation. All a very strict regimented routine.

Eventually, I just couldn’t handle it anymore, (nor the cost of all the prescriptions). I had to taper off, I saw no way around it. My heart rate was even screaming this message with dangerously low rates. I actually even had to have a monitor for it. This is not normal for someone in barely their 30s! This shouldn’t be how it is. I even would get an unbelievable amount of bruising for the most minor of activities. Something needed to change!

BUT I needed something! Tough days were still going to happen. I was still disabled, that didn’t magically go away.

Thankfully California had passed some Medical Marijuana Dispensary Laws to make this so much easier. My doctors even agreed, weed, “medical marijuana” was definitely worth the shot. And let me tell you, it has made all the difference!

Finally some assistance, some relief for those emergency situations without all the scary side effects. I don’t have to be dependent on prescription drugs and fear the wreck that is happening to my system. Finally, free of the structured medication schedule and free to use as needed!

I get Demi Lovato and her “California Sober.” Not saying it’s an easy call for an addict, or that I pretend to be in any position to suggest. Everyone is different, but I definitely understand the medications that are given to replace those drugs or the meds prescribed for anxiety and depression aren’t easy either.

I don’t have to get “baked.” I don’t have to rely on edibles, but I just know these things are here in my toughest moments. I’m finally all the side effect free and am only battling one health challenge, not layers of meds and pain. It’s been a miracle amount of difference. The biggest part for me is I don’t have to fear side effects, the worst that happens nap and munchies!

I am sure I will get some wide eyes for putting this out here, but what I have to say, is listen to your body! Give it a fighting chance and give yourself a fighting chance. Weed needs to be destigmatized and decriminalized. You really never know who needs it to survive.