Breaking the negative stigma of cannabis is a joint effort. That’s why we’ve created this new interview series, ‘Breaking The Stigma,’ in which we interview women in the cannabis space who are doing their part.
Today we’re speaking with Jessie Gill, RN, a cannabis nurse and founder of MarijuanaMommy.com & PrettyPipeShop.com. Here’s what she had to say:
Miss M. : How did you first discover cannabis and what did you think about it at the time?
Jessie: I’d used cannabis about a decade before I became a patient. During that time I developed a very bad association to it. But ten years later, after an injury and numerous failed treatments, medical marijuana became the very last option. A friend suggested I try it. I was resistant at first, but at my mom’s urging I tried it and experienced remarkable results.
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Miss M. : Do you have a story about how you started using cannabis in your health and wellness journey?
Jessie: I was working as a hospice nurse and a work accident left me with a serious cervical injury. I I tried numerous treatments and eventually major surgery but nothing helped. Finally, I was taking numerous pharmaceuticals a day including Valium and opiates around the clock to try to manage the pain and dysfunction.
The side effects were unbearable and I was miserable. Cannabis changed everything for me. The day I tried it I was able to eliminate opiates and Valium, and later I slowly titrated off everything else. I still have issues and pain, but cannabis helps better than anything else has.
Miss M. : How do you currently incorporate cannabis into your health and wellness routine?
Jessie: I vape cannabis regularly throughout the day. Mostly I microdose using low doses of THC and higher doses of CBD. I use higher amounts of THC when my symptoms are worse and at night.
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Miss M. : What’s the most significant way cannabis has changed your life?
Jessie: Cannabis actually helps the pain, traditional medications just masked it. Relieving the pain has allowed me to rebuild my life. I still suffer and have issues, but cannabis lets me fight the pain while still engaging in life. Eliminating the side effects of pharmaceuticals medicines has been so uplifting.
Miss M. : Why do you want to help break the negative stigma of cannabis? Why is this important to you?
Jessie: The stigma is the biggest barrier to people trying medical marijuana. So many patients could benefit from this plant, if they just had access and weren’t so afraid of it.
Miss M. : What are you currently doing to help break the stigma? Any projects? Outreach? Influence?
Jessie: So much. MarijuanaMommy.com is designed to teach how and why to use cannabis, while challenging the stigma against cannabis use.
I also teach classes and speak at conferences around the country. I also offer one-on-one educational sessions to patients in NJ. In the next few weeks, I’m releasing an online course to help educate patients about cannabis in the comfort their own home.
Miss M. : Where do you want to see the cannabis movement go in the next five years?
Jessie: I’d love to see federal legalization in the next five years. It’s a dream, but is possible.
Miss M. : How do you suggest other people can get involved in helping destigmatize cannabis?
Jessie: Being educated about cannabis is helpful. People who are educated can help spread the word to others. Personal stories are also very important. It can be scary to go public, but it can change someone else’s life. At the same time, only patients who are legally protected should talk publicly.
Miss M. : What advice do you have for people who want to try using cannabis to heal but are afraid?
Jessie: The most important thing for patients to keep in mind is to start small and increase your dose very slowly. Many patients start with CBD, then they get more comfortable and slowly start exploring THC products. Nervous patients might also benefit from starting with topicals. They often get comfortable with topicals and then begin exploring other methods of administration.
Jessie Gill is a cannabis nurse and educator who speaks at conferences around the country and has been cited by publications such as High Times and Forbes. Her work has been featured on Entrepreneur, Good Housekeeping, MSN, and more.
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