How and Why I use Cannabis Products

While science is very limited, anecdotal and personal evidence is not. This is my story.

I'm a pretty healthy lady given the circumstances. Long story short- I have a kidney disease called Medullary Sponge Kidney (or MSK) with nephrocalcinosis that I was born with- it's degenerative and was diagnosed in my 20's. I also have Fibrocystic Breast Change (aka painful lumps on my breasts), and a slew of menstrual issues (cysts, mild endo, hormone imbalances, etc.).

I've made many necessary lifestyle changes to support my body and overall health. Such as- Eating mostly plant based (though I still eat meat infrequently and selectively), cutting out certain foods, beverages, and supplements, staying active and keeping my weight in a healthy-for-me range, and adding in my own personalized supplements-some with the help of my doctors and others within my doctors knowledge. *I believe it's important to do your own research when it comes to your personal health, don't take one persons advice word for word and forgo your own intuition.

One of those supplements is cannabis products.

As stated before-scientific and medical evidence, trials,and testing are way behind for all forms of cannabis products-THC, CBD,Flower,Oils, Tinctures,Topical Use and more. While many claim a whole host of benefits for every form of cannabis products (especially CBD) I suggest you take these all with a grain of salt. Read, ask, and try things out for yourself before you spend hundreds on products that may be natural and safe BUT also may not have any effects.

So, what do I use?

I use a little bit of everything. I'll break it down below. Keep in mind, doses, amounts, and specific products are all personal and should be figured out carefully and (ideally) with the help of a doctor or healthcare professional. I know that isn't always possible or even accessible. Luckily with cannabis products there aren't many harsh side effects, and no one has died from the direct use of cannabis. So, start slow and see how your body reacts to each product.

Daily Use- Every day I use my CBD oil tincture

I choose a broad spectrum oil (meaning it isn't just CBD) that is 4.2mg of full spectrum cannabinoids per serving. No flavors or additives in organic hemp or extra virgin olive oil. Suggested serving is 15 drops up to 5x a day. I use 7(ish) 2x a day. I do not feel huge changes while using this product BUT the brand I use is fairly inexpensive and high quality and after beginning to use it regularly I had very noticeable positive changes in my renal testing. I also use this food grade oil ( and my own homemade CBD oil) to make topical applications. I find that when used topically in applications that I notice quick results in reducing inflammation and pain. *Please note- these are my personal results and not necessarily indicative of your results.

Frequent Use- CBD Flower Weekly (ish)

CBD flower looks very similar to marijuana flower. It smells and feel similar too. Cons- smoking anything isn't great for your lungs. However, It's my opinion that less frequent smoking of natural herbs can have benefits that greatly outweigh the cons. It isn't as convenient as an oil. You need a pipe, papers, or something similar to use it. Research suggests that CBD is easier used by the body and results are better achieved with the use of a blend of CBD and THC.

Pros- Not psychoactive. This means you won't get the traditional high associated with the marijuana compound THC. However, it does have an effect on the body. I find smoking CBD flower to be calming and soothing and the effects are felt almost immediately. I also find that for mild pain (kidney, menstrual, or otherwise) CBD can be effective in calming or eliminating it. If you enjoy the habitual act of smoking and wish to quit smoking cigarettes, a blend of CBD and other safer herbs can help!

I also enjoy the flavor of rolled CBD cigarettes. I use organic hemp or rice papers.

I buy almost all of my CBD products through Blue Ridge Hemp **. This small company is very straight forward and transparent with their products. High quality products you can follow from farm to store and great packaging have made me a lifetime customer. They also have excellent customer service and great descriptions on each strain of their flower- with information like the feel you can expect from the flower to forms with the amounts of cannabinoids. I use (or have used) almost all of the strains of CBD flower, their rollers, and muscle rub.

**This is my affiliate link, if you purchase be sure to use code CTY10 at checkout for 10% off your order total. I will receive a small commission from your order.

Infrequent Use- THC / Marijuana -Where legally available

The occurrence of my THC use varies greatly. Sometimes that may be weekly and sometimes it may be months in between uses. I also use it a little differently than most.

I do not enjoy being high. I don't like feeling out of control of my body. I don't like feeling slow. I don't want anything to impede my normal functioning.

Maybe that sounds like I'm a little bit of a control freak. That would be correct. I also love being a do-er. THC makes me lazy. I have also had the unfortunate experience of anxiety and panic while using marijuana. But there were benefits despite the less than great effects.

Now, we know that marijuana use has been legalized for medical use in many states. It's proven its medicinal effects enough that legalization is happening. It's purported benefits- aiding in nausea, pain management, seizures, and more. It's also widely accepted that THC and CBD work better together.

This is what I do that works for me-

I like to use marijuana in conjunction with CBD flower. Sometimes that may look like a little THC flower sprinkled in my CBD joint. More often than not, it looks like me using some CBD oil or flower, though not always, and then taking micro-hits of marijuana. Usually shotgun style from another user. And by another user, I mean the only one other user I would do that with. Because germs. Gross.

Micro-hit you say? I don't know if that's a real term. I use it. It's like micro-dosing, but with marijuana. I've found that if I take the smallest inhale, then wait awhile to feel results (5 minutes. Always give it this time, sometimes effects may take a bit), then repeat if necessary- I have the best results. I get the stronger body feel associated with THC, pain management, calming and soothing effects without the head high. For me- I know I've gotten where I need to when I feel it in my knees. They get warm and just feel good. Super scientific, I know. But I want to share as much as I can. I couldn't find any information like this when I first started researching using micro-doses of marijuana. It's also important to note- If you use marijuana you will, probably, at some point, find yourself higher than you wanted. For most, this doesn't seem to be an issue. For me, it's one of my least favorite things. The good news- This too-high feeling doesn't last long. Maybe 30 minutes-1 hour.

Another option - 1:1 Pills - Where legally available

These tiny little round pills are a 1:1 ratio of CBD and THC in different mg amounts. I have yet to use these but I was recently gifted some (small dosage at 2mg a pill) and will be trying them when I experience another bout of kidney or other pain. I would love to hear from you if you use them personally. From what I understand they are one of the best options for managing pain without experiencing too much of (if any of) a head high.

I'll leave you with the words of my grandpa-

"If you smoke, smoke the good stuff"

* As always- I am not, nor do I pretend to be, a doctor, lawyer, or healthcare provider. Do your own research, talk to YOUR healthcare provider, read and follow your local laws. Affiliate links may result in me gaining commission from orders