Using medical marijuana isn’t just a physical journey—it’s an emotional one too. From confronting stigma to grappling with self-doubt, the process challenged me in unexpected ways. In this post, I’ll share the emotional highs and lows of my experience and what I learned along the way.

Coping with Stigma

When I started using medical marijuana, I wasn’t prepared for the judgement I’d face.

What I Experienced:

• Questions from family and friends about why I was using cannabis.
• Assumptions that I was turning to recreational drug use.
• Workplace policies that seemed to label all cannabis use as problematic.

How I Dealt With It:

1. Be Honest and Open: I shared my health struggles and explained how medical marijuana improved my quality of life.
2. Educate Others: Providing factual information about the legal and medical use of cannabis helped break down misconceptions.
3. Seek Support: Connecting with others in the medical marijuana community made me feel less alone.

Embracing Self-Care

Using medical marijuana was a reminder that prioritising my health is a form of self-care.

What I Realised:

• It’s okay to advocate for yourself, even if others don’t fully understand your choices.
• Taking the time to find the right treatment is worth the effort.
• Self-care isn’t selfish—it’s necessary.

What Helped:

• Journaling about my progress kept me focused on my health goals.
• Regular check-ins with my doctor ensured I stayed on track.

Learning to Trust Myself

At first, I doubted my decision to use medical marijuana. Was it the right choice? Would it work? Over time, those doubts faded.

How I Overcame Doubt:

1. Focus on Results: Seeing improvements in my symptoms reassured me that I made the right choice.
2. Celebrate Small Wins: Each step forward, no matter how small, boosted my confidence.
3. Seek Professional Guidance: Knowing I had a knowledgeable doctor on my side made a big difference.

Conclusion

The emotional side of medical marijuana use is just as significant as the physical benefits. It taught me resilience, self-acceptance, and the importance of advocating for my needs. If you’re on a similar journey, know that it’s okay to feel vulnerable—and that growth often comes from those moments.