MedicateOH Writers’ Workshop student Ra’Nesha Taylor shares her personal cannabis advocacy story. As a patient experiencing symptoms of PCOS, IBS, acid reflux disease, depression, anxiety, and PTSD, Ra’Nesha found that cannabis provided relief. Here’s her story:
Navigating the Challenges: Unveiling a Path to Healing
Living with health issues since the age of 11 has been a challenging journey for me. Back then, I started experiencing symptoms of PCOS, although it took four years to receive an official diagnosis. Alongside PCOS, I was also grappling with IBS, acid reflux disease, depression, anxiety, and PTSD.
Over the years, I sought medical help, consulted various specialists, and endured countless hospital visits. By the time I turned 19, I felt disheartened and hopeless when the last specialist informed me that they couldn’t offer further assistance. I had already tried numerous medications, but the side effects always outweighed the benefits, leading to discontinuation. During this time, I was also dealing with the grief of losing two grandfathers and tragically losing my oldest brother during my college years.
Cannabis as my Compass: Transforming Pain into Empowerment
It was during my early twenties, leading up to the anniversary of my brother’s passing, that I turned to cannabis to alleviate the overwhelming anxiety I was experiencing. Within a week of incorporating cannabis into my routine, I noticed a significant improvement in managing my anxiety, depression, and IBS symptoms. Encouraged by these positive outcomes, I decided to explore further and see if cannabis could provide relief for my PCOS-related pain.
“Contrary to the stereotype that cannabis makes you lazy and nonfunctional, I found that it actually increased my focus, productivity, and overall mood. It also helped alleviate the pain from my PCOS symptoms and improved my appetite, which had been affected by my IBS.”
Ra’Nesha Taylor
Once I realized that cannabis was helping with many of my health conditions, I became intentional in how I consumed it. I started with inhalation, smoking cannabis flower, consuming it about 2-3 times a week. Gradually, I increased my dosage and frequency, consuming it daily. Contrary to the stereotype that cannabis makes you lazy and nonfunctional, I found that it actually increased my focus, productivity, and overall mood. It also helped alleviate the pain from my PCOS symptoms and improved my appetite, which had been affected by my IBS.
Exploring New Horizons: Embracing Cannabis’s Diverse Possibilities
As I became more comfortable with cannabis, I explored other methods of administration. During my time studying to become an esthetician, I came across CBD-infused massage oils brought in by some of my clients. Intrigued, I researched the benefits of CBD not only for my clients but also for myself. Witnessing the positive impact it had on my clients’ well-being, I incorporated CBD oil and salves into my own healthcare regimen. They proved to be especially helpful for managing severe cramps caused by PCOS during my menstrual cycle and overall ache and pain management.
Around the same time, I delved into cannabis-infused edibles. Though it was initially a different experience for me, I quickly adjusted and found them beneficial. Edibles, with their longer-lasting effects, became my primary method of administration during daytime hours. They helped alleviate IBS-related symptoms as well as my depression and anxiety. After consistently consuming cannabis for about 7 years, my most utilized methods of administration remain inhalation, oral ingestion, and topical application. However, as I expand my cannabis knowledge and develop my own brand, I am also exploring additional methods such as sublingual consumption and transdermal patches.
Dispelling Misconceptions: Advocacy through Personal Experience
Despite the undeniable benefits I experienced, the stigma surrounding cannabis consumption limited my willingness to openly share my journey, particularly with healthcare providers. Fear of judgment and stereotypes made me selective in disclosing my cannabis use, confiding only in a trusted few. However, as I delved deeper into the world of cannabis and witnessed its positive impact on my life, my fear began to fade away.
While some misconceptions still exist, I’ve become more comfortable with embracing my authentic self and educating others about the benefits of cannabis. Over time, the lingering stigma lost its power over me. Today, I proudly share my story and advocate for the incredible potential of this plant, knowing that it has transformed my life and the lives of countless others.
Driving Change from Within: Empowering Others on the Journey
In light of my personal journey and the countless stories I’ve encountered, it’s evident that cannabis holds immense potential as a therapeutic tool for a wide range of conditions. Witnessing the positive impact it has had on my life and the lives of others has fueled my passion for the cannabis industry. Inspired by the possibilities, I have embarked on a journey to normalize and destigmatize cannabis, while educating individuals about its beneficial uses, both medicinally and for adult-use. By sharing knowledge and fostering understanding, I aim to contribute to a society where cannabis is recognized as a valuable resource for wellness and holistic living.
####
Want to share your Ohio cannabis advocacy story? Reach out to us a medicateOH@gmail.com.
