For decades, modern medicine has relied on pharmaceuticals to treat a wide range of mental, emotional, and physical ailments. While traditional medications have their place, they often come with serious side effects, addictive properties, and, in some cases, life-threatening risks. Cannabis, on the other hand, offers a holistic alternative—one that has been used for centuries to support wellness without the dangers of overdose or chemical dependency.
I personally experienced this shift. In my late 30s, I was prescribed a range of antidepressants—Luvox, Zoloft, Wellbutrin, and Cymbalta. Each came with its own set of adverse effects: weight gain, physical numbness, chronic fatigue, and relentless brain fog. The only medication that seemed to help me sleep was Xanax, which, ironically, was also the most dangerous and addictive of them all. It didn’t take long to realize that pharmaceuticals weren’t the answer for me. Like many others, I turned to the socially accepted numbing agent—wine. Drinking became a way to cope, a way to push through stress, until one day, I finally stopped and looked for another way.
It wasn’t until I became a caregiver that I tried a cannabis gummy for the first time. For the first time in years, my mind felt clear. I slept through the night. I felt less pain. Most importantly, I saw things through a realistic yet more positive lens. It wasn’t about escapism—it was about balance. That was the beginning of my journey with cannabis as medicine.
Mental & Emotional Health Benefits
Anxiety & Depression (vs. SSRIs & Benzodiazepines)
Pharmaceuticals like Prozac, Zoloft, and Lexapro work by altering serotonin levels. Still, they can take weeks to become effective and often come with side effects like weight gain, sexual dysfunction, and emotional numbness.
Anti-anxiety drugs like Xanax and Valium work instantly but are highly addictive and can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms.
Cannabis offers an alternative: Strains rich in CBD and calming terpenes like linalool and myrcene can reduce anxiety and improve mood naturally, without the long-term risks of pharmaceuticals.
PTSD & Trauma Recovery (vs. Heavy Sedatives & Antipsychotics)
Traditional PTSD treatments include antidepressants, sedatives, and even antipsychotics, which often leave patients feeling disconnected or over-medicated.
Cannabis, particularly strains with a balance of THC and CBD, has been shown to reduce nightmares, improve emotional regulation, and help patients process trauma without the heavy sedation of prescription drugs.
Addiction Recovery & Harm Reduction (vs. Opioids & Alcohol)
Cannabis is emerging as a powerful tool for addiction recovery, particularly for those struggling with alcoholism and opioid dependence.
Studies show that cannabis can reduce withdrawal symptoms, ease cravings, and even serve as a substitute for more dangerous substances without leading to another form of addiction.
I’ve personally seen lives change through cannabis. People who struggle with social anxiety, chronic stress, or difficulty feeling at ease in social settings often find that cannabis helps them navigate these situations more comfortably. People with depression find motivation to complete daily tasks. The small wins build up, lifting them out of dark places in a way pharmaceuticals never could.
Making the Science Relatable: Terpenes & Cannabinoids
When I worked in a dispensary, one of my favorite things to teach customers was how to smell their medicine. Terpenes are what give cannabis its aroma and flavor—just like how we crave different foods, we’re also drawn to terpenes that our body needs. Over time, people learned to recognize which strains worked best based on scent alone.
Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in many plants and are responsible for their scent and flavor. They are not unique to cannabis—terpenes are present in fruits, spices, herbs, and even in unexpected places like coffee, chocolate, and certain insects. These compounds have powerful medicinal properties, influencing mood, relaxation, focus, and even physical health.
Here are some of the most common terpenes and their effects:
Myrcene – Sedating, found in indica strains. Also found in mango, lemongrass, and thyme.
Limonene – Uplifting, stress-relieving, citrus-scented. Also found in rosemary and juniper.
Pinene – Useful for PTSD, acts as a natural bronchial dilator, and helps with chest and cold congestion.
Caryophyllene – Spicy, anti-inflammatory. Also found in black pepper and cloves.
Linalool – Floral, calming, anti-anxiety. Also found in lavender and birch.
Cannabinoids & Their Effects
Beyond terpenes, cannabinoids play a significant role in cannabis’s medicinal properties:
THC – The primary psychoactive component. Pain relief, appetite stimulation, mood enhancement.
CBD – Non-psychoactive, great for anxiety, inflammation, and relaxation. ("The D is for daytime!")
CBN – Sedative effects, often found in aged cannabis. ("The N is for nighttime!")
CBC – Non-psychoactive, supports cognitive function and mood. ("The C is for cerebral!")
THCV – Energy-boosting, appetite-suppressing, may help with PTSD and blood sugar regulation.
These compounds interact with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which regulates mood, sleep, pain, and immune response. Unlike pharmaceuticals that target one symptom, cannabis works holistically, addressing multiple systems in the body at once.
Breaking the Stigma & Culture Shift
Growing up, I never imagined myself as someone who would use cannabis—let alone advocate for it. Where I live, people still don’t talk about it openly. But because I started later in life and never had to hide it, I don’t feel any shame about it either. It’s interesting how cannabis is treated so differently from other hobbies. For example, when I had a pie business, people celebrated it. If I took up painting, no one would question it. But cannabis? That makes people uncomfortable. Why is that? It’s just another form of creativity, experimentation, and craftsmanship. The difference isn’t in the act itself—it’s in how society chooses to see it.
Closing Thoughts: What I Wish More People Knew
If there’s one thing I could ask, it’s this: be open to unlearning. Don’t let fear and misinformation shape your opinion. Look at the facts. Be curious. Be uncomfortable. Growth happens when we’re willing to challenge what we’ve been taught, and cannabis is no exception.
For me, cannabis didn’t just help me sleep or manage pain—it made me more self-aware. It helped me regulate my emotions and make better decisions. It balanced me in a way pharmaceuticals never could. And I know I’m not alone in that.
The more we talk about it, the more we normalize the idea that healing doesn’t have to come from a pill bottle. It can come from a plant too.
Sources & Further Reading
For those interested in learning more, here are some great resources:
Leafly – A trusted source for cannabis strain information and medical benefits.
Nikki Furrer, "A Woman’s Guide to Cannabis" – A great book exploring cannabis use for wellness.
Project CBD – A nonprofit dedicated to educating the public on CBD and cannabis research.
PubMed Studies on Cannabis – A database of peer-reviewed research on cannabis and its medicinal applications.
I encourage everyone to consider their information sources and continue learning with an open mind!
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