Building cannabis community

Hello, fellow cannabis learners!

It’s been a few weeks since I’ve posted, and honestly—I’ve missed it. When I first started this blog, my goal was to share cannabis education weekly and spark conversation around medicinal cannabis. But, as life often does, it had other plans.

There’s a lot happening in our country right now, and uncertainty is in the air. On top of that, I’m raising a teenager who currently needs a bit more of me—and I’m happy to be there for them. I don’t usually share much about my personal life here. Time is precious, and I know you’re here for education, not long personal detours.

But here’s a little insight: I’m more introverted than you might expect, especially when it comes to social media. Who knew it could feel harder to engage online than in person? Still, here we are. And in the spirit of being present for my family and kind to myself, I’m shifting my focus from frequent blog updates to meaningful in-person conversations and community involvement.

That doesn’t mean the education stops. I still love teaching about cannabis and am absolutely available for in-person discussions or educational sessions. I’m just giving myself permission to let go of rigid posting expectations. When something compelling comes up—especially in the world of cannabis as medicine—you can bet I’ll be here to write about it.

If you or someone you care about has questions about cannabis (whether it’s for medicinal or recreational use), please don’t hesitate to reach out. I’d love to provide guidance that’s safe, science-backed, and easy to understand.

Now, let’s talk stress.

We’re living through some chaotic times. I’m not here to get political—but it’s hard to ignore how the current climate is affecting our mental and physical well-being. Researchers will likely spend years unpacking the toll of this era on our collective health. But what we do know right now is this: stress causes inflammation, and inflammation is at the root of many chronic conditions—think hypertension, atherosclerosis, insulin resistance, and even depression.¹

That’s where cannabis may offer some relief.

Studies show that cannabis can help ease stress symptoms—but in small doses.² This is because cannabis is biphasic: at low doses, it can have one effect, and at higher doses, it can do the exact opposite.

For example: a small dose of cannabis during a stressful moment might help you feel calmer and gain mental space. But take a large dose—like a hefty bong rip—while already stressed, and it can backfire. High levels of THC can increase your heart rate and blood pressure, which often leads to feeling even more anxious, not less.

It’s a good reminder that more isn’t always better—especially with cannabis.

Cannabis has so much potential as a tool for wellness—but like any medicine, it works best when we use it with intention, education, and balance. Whether you’re here to learn for yourself or to support someone you love, know that you’re not alone in navigating this journey. I’m here to help, whether through in-person conversations, blog posts, or answering your questions directly.

If you’re looking for a beginner-friendly, science-backed guide to medical cannabis, check out my book, Medical Cannabis: Preparing for Oklahoma’s Dispensaries. It’s available now on Amazon—click here to grab your copy and start your journey with confidence.

Also, if you’re local, come see me in person at Natural Remedies MMJ dispensary on 4/19 for their 420 celebration! I’ll be there with books in hand and ready to share additional cannabis education. Stop by, say hi, and let’s talk about how cannabis might support your health goals.

Let’s keep learning, growing, and supporting each other—one thoughtful conversation at a time.

References

1. Liu YZ, Wang YX, Jiang CL. Inflammation: The Common Pathway of Stress-Related Diseases. Front Hum Neurosci. 2017;11:316. doi:10.3389/fnhum.2017.00316

2. Foltin RW. Low-dose THC can relieve stress; more does just the opposite. UIC Today. Published September 1, 2017. Accessed April 06, 2025. https://today.uic.edu/low-dose-thc-can-relieve-stress-more-does-just-the-opposite/