Open Conversations and Empowered Choices for Medical Cannabis Use

Hello, and welcome to episode 37 of  The JOY Factor Podcast! My guest today is Safriana Degroat and we're chatting about considerations around safely using medical cannabis, According to the National Conference of State Legislators,  “As of Feb. 3, 2022, 37 states, three territories and the District of Columbia allow the medical use of cannabis products.”  Despite the rapidly increasing availability of medical marijuana there are too few settings where patients can have open conversations with their healthcare providers  about their needs, concerns and experiences using cannabis. Too often people feel shame or judgement about their medical cannabis use and oftentimes doctors and therapists are ill-equiped or uninformed of how best to provide trauma informed care. Our conversation today will give you safety guidelines to consider and a way to explore best practices for use.  Bio Through her own personal healing journey, Safrianna embraced her passion for creating a world where all people can be “freely themselves”. She has a Masters in Community Mental Health and is a licensed professional therapist. In 2020, she founded her company, Luna Counseling & Creative Services, LLC, promoting wellness through therapy, education, and professional coaching. She recently launched Living LUNA with her wife, Ikenna. Living LUNA is a podcast and digital community that affirms the worth of all people, acknowledging the right for everyone to live life unashamed, full of love and authenticity.  What does the phrase joy factor mean to you? Safi’s joy factor = “making empowered choices again and again.” What you do now influences your future enjoyment.  A question she lives by: Am I enjoying myself right now? Remember, we have the power to take actions that do or don’t align with the ones that do. What We’ll Learn Safriana Degroat is not a medical doctor. Before trying any cannabis consult your doctor and DO NOT consume cannabis that has not been prescribed to you. Avoid purchasing cannabis off the street and keep all medical marijuana in a locked container out of reach of children or pets. Medical Cannabis- how safe or dangerous is it? Without proper medical guidance cannabis has a high potential to be abused or become addictive. Safi shared her framework for safely exploring correct strains and doses once you have been approved for a medical marijuana card. Remember the acronym RIDER Research- Do this for anything you ingest. What impact might it have on us if we have other medical issues or conditions? Ask your doctor. Research the strains ahead of time. Ask: What’s the turpine breakdown? Intention- Understanding why you are trying to use cannabis in the first place. Get honest, be specific. What symptoms are you needing help treating? What other healing modalities are part of your plan? Remember, cannabis is not a stand alone treatment. Documentation- Document your cannabis use if you want to fine tune what works best for your needs. Is it for pain, focus, writing? Safi uses different strains for specific reasons. Document how you were impacted when you use a specific strain.  Experimentation- Find what works for us personally, and keep your dosing as small as possible.  Repetition- Repeat the results, journal, look at dominant terpenes.  Tips from Safi: Be informed. Know the dosages and chemical compositions and don’t overdo it.  Take as little as you can get away with and consult with your healthcare provider for ongoing guidance and support.  Find other people you can trust to discuss, compare and learn for mutual benefit.   For younger brains it’s not as good of a fit. If you are 24 or younger, this should not be a main part of your care plan. How has medical marijuana affected her? “It’s made me a more joyful person.” Cannabis and spiritual work have helped her healing from PTSD progress because she has found it easier to relax and integrate what she was learning and experiencing.   “I dance more. I enjoy more. “ -Important Health Information- From the website Cannabis Conversations  What are the signs of cannabis use disorder? Cannabis use disorder is the medical diagnosis for problematic cannabis use. Cannabis use is problematic when it begins to impact an individual’s life. Some common signs of cannabis use disorder include: Using more cannabis than intended Trying but failing to stop using cannabis when you want to Spending a lot of time using cannabis Craving cannabis Using cannabis even when it causes problems at home, at school, or at work Continuing to use cannabis despite social, relationship, or school-related problems Giving up important activities with family or friends in favor of using cannabis Using cannabis in high-risk situations, like while driving a car Continuing to use cannabis despite physical or psychological problems Needing to use more cannabis to get the same high Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when stopping use of cannabis If you keep cannabis and cannabis products at your home, they should be stored safely, locked up, and out of reach of children and pets. Accidentally consuming edibles is a risk for children and pets that can result in cannabis toxicity or the need for emergency medical attention. If there is an accidental exposure to cannabis or cannabis products of any kind — call Poison Control Center (800) 222-1222 or visit your Emergency Room if needed.  Motivational Figure, Quote something guiding light-  “I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” - Maya Angelou What matters most in life is our peace and us radiating that peace out to others. Make more energy for our peace and then make others feel that peace. Resources Mentioned Leafly- Research new strains.  Greenhealth Docs- telehealth appointments with  High Yoga- Strains to use for different yoga poses. I know why the Caged Bird Sings Other Useful Information For Safe Dosing, Warnings and Guidelines.  Important Information and Warnings about Medical Cannabis Before you start, talk with your doctor and therapist to create a medical marijuana care team. Startlow, go slow, stay low:  Start low- Studies show that beyond 20-40 mg/day for THC and 50-100 mg/day for CBD, there are no additional benefits from a higher dose for most patients.  Go slow- increase your intake very slowly, and try to stay as low as possible with amount consumed. Edibles can be dangerous because they are slower to digest. Use caution and wait at least 2 hours before taking another dose.  Always, err on the side of caution. People at an  increased risk of harm if they use medical cannabis include those who are:  Children, adolescents, young adults 18-25  Pregnant or breastfeeding At increased risk of addiction or dependence Affected by serious mental health conditions such as schizophrenia Diagnosed with heart or liver disease Do not operate heavy machinery or vehicles while using medical cannabis. Keep all medical cannabis stored in a locked container safely out of reach of children and pets.  Do not give away, trade or sell medical cannabis to others. Follow all applicable laws for the state you are in or are a resident of.   Reach Safi https://www.safrianna.com/420friendly Safi’s main hub is Discord- instant messaging Living Luna Discord Community- social hub, hangout and uplift each other-Authentic Connection She has a podcast- Living Luna talking about authenticity, marginalization, inviting other voices  Launched a Patreon- Glad to receive financial support for people who believe in our mission. www.safriana.com free resources- cannabis journal Rise Program- Resilience, Integration, Self Empowerment-  Building Blocks, Quick, Easy, Low Cost, High Impact Thank you for Listening It is a true honor to bring this podcast to you and I am so grateful that you took the time to listen.  Your support truly matters. If you feel led to offer a donation to keep our podcast running you can contribute here. If you enjoyed the show, please share it with your friends and family. 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