In my youth I was a bit pudgy, but during my teenage years and college years I was very athletic, playing sports all the time, working out with free weights, machines, and running as well as engaging in other high-impact activities.

I gradually gained weight starting in my late twenties due to less exercise and poor diet and having to take Psychiatric Medication which made me gain even more weight and gave me diabetes. Being morbidly obese for many years combined with my intense athletic past cumulatively put tremendous strain on my back, knees, hips, and ankles and I started to develop problems such as torn meniscus and arthritis bone on bone in both knees, bursitis in my hips, and a lower back microdiscectomy followed up a year later by a spinal fusion operation. I’ve sprained my ankles several times.

I started taking CBD supplements (and trying other things such as Kratom) in 2018 and in 2019 a CBD product popped up as positive for Marijuana use at my pain management doctor during a routine urine test. My nurse advised me to register for NY state medical marijuana to avoid any problems with continuing my meds. I started to consume THC for the first time in several years, and I honestly really enjoyed it. The legality of it and the “entourage effect” of cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids and everything I consumed was just amazing.

Initially I had a no vape / no smoking policy due to my young children and wife who is sensitive to smells. But over the course of the year I found myself trying every product I could find at every dispensary nearby.

Medical cannabis helped me survive 2020 and all the stress of Covid and the political unrest etc. Now my challenge will be to reign in my cannabis budget somewhat and buy more of what I like, not just trying and reviewing things!

So…

I recently had a total left knee replacement in early December 2020, which I used as a unique time to see the interactions of various opioid and opiate medcations with other medicines I take, especially medical cannabis. I take a lot of supplements and some perscription drugs to deal with numeroius health issues. I’ve been on opiates and benzodiazapines, muscle relaxants, beta blockers and amphetamines and other stimulants for years now, as well as a cocktail of other perscription meds to deal with metabolic syndrome. I had bariatric surgery in September 2019 and lost over 65 lbs. which has helped greatly with pain and sleep apenea. But I would say medical marijuana has been the most important development, providing me with physical pain relief and mental relaxation that has better enabled me to handle the Covid crisis thusfar. I would say that a year and a half in to my medical cannabis use, that it is safe and effective, even for those diagnosed with bipolar disorder, and steps can be taken using CBD and perscription meds to keep patients on track.

I am happy to say that as of April I have successfully been able to reduce my opioid consumption, thanks largely to medical cannabis and CBD products.

People in all states of health and wellness, in all moods, should share their stories to help others. Use your real name or a fake one, or just be anonymous!

In this section we will discuss general health and wellness, as well as ways to be more happy, from my perspective as well as any guest contributors with something to say!