Read time 5 minutes
Gratitude is a powerful emotion, especially when rooted in the healing process.
Thank you, dear Universe, for walking beside me in every step of my recovery. My story isn’t just medical, it’s spiritual, emotional, and undeniably human.
Today, I’m exploring this topic through research, without drawing from personal experience.
A Diagnosis That Changed Everything
I was living an ordinary life when my body began speaking a language I couldn’t understand. I had intense muscle contractions and chronic pain. Also, digestive turmoil, vision changes, and other baffling symptoms.
After countless consultations, tests, and unanswered questions, I was diagnosed with Isaacs’ Syndrome. It is a rare neuromuscular disorder characterized by excessive nerve firing. It leads to continuous muscle activity.
But Isaacs’ was only the beginning.
I was later diagnosed with Lyme disease, a bacterial infection transmitted by ticks. Then came Glaucoma, slowly damaging my optic nerves. Membranous Glomerulonephritis affected my kidneys. My gut became a battlefield with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), and stomach acid imbalance.
I also developed Diabetes, Frozen Shoulder, Eczema, and Blood Pressure issues. My body wasn’t just hurting—it was fighting a silent war on many fronts.
It was overwhelming. Confusing. Disorienting.
Yet despite the chaos, there was clarity. Something needed to change.
The Turning Point: Discovering Medical Cannabis
Traditional treatments helped in small doses but came with their own complications. Steroids, painkillers, antispasmodics—they offered relief, but not restoration. That’s when I was asked to try Medical Cannabis.
I haven’t personally used cannabis. However, before consideration I would grapple with some questions:
- Is it safe?
- Will I become dependent?
- How will it interact with my medications?
- Is it even legal in India?
These concerns were real and justified. But so was the chronic pain and fatigue that dominated my daily life.
Understanding Medical Cannabis
Medical cannabis, also known as medical marijuana. It contains cannabinoids, chemical compounds that interact with our body’s endocannabinoid system. This system influences everything from mood to pain response. The two primary cannabinoids are:
- CBD (Cannabidiol) – known for its calming effects and anti-inflammatory properties.
- THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) – the compound responsible for the psychoactive “high,” but also powerful in managing pain and muscle spasms.
Cannabis can be consumed in various forms: tinctures, edibles, vaporizers, creams, or pharmaceutical formulations. Its growing list of applications includes:
- Epilepsy
- Multiple sclerosis
- Chronic pain
- Muscle disorders
- Anxiety and sleep issues
However, its use remains controversial due to stigma, legality, and limited clinical guidance.
A Patient’s Real Time Story
While I haven’t begun my own treatment with medical cannabis yet, I found solace in stories of others who had. One such story that deeply moved me was Aaron’s.
Meet Aaron: A Voice from Canada
Aaron, a young research analyst from New Brunswick, Canada, battles a rare neurological condition similar to mine. He faced muscle weakness, inflammation, chronic pain, stiffness, and frequent spasms. Traditional medication helped only partially—so he explored medical cannabis.
Here’s a snippet of our compassionate conversation:
Q: What led you to try medical cannabis?
Aaron: “I found a support group of neuro patients online who had tried cannabis. After consulting my neurologist, I started with a tincture. It is a liquid dose placed under the tongue for quick absorption. It wasn’t an instant fix, but two months later, I noticed relief in pain, sleep, and anxiety.”
Q: Were there any side effects?
Aaron: “Yes, I had to watch for dizziness, increased hunger, elevated heart rate, and interactions with other meds. But my doctors guided me well, and I kept my dosage consistent.”
Q: What questions should others ask their doctors?
Aaron:
- Is cannabis appropriate for my condition?
- Which form and dosage is best for me?
- Will it interfere with existing medications?
- What benefits can I reasonably expect?
- Are there any credible studies or references?
- How much will it cost?
His honesty and openness lit a spark in me. Not because cannabis was a miracle. But because it offered agency, something many of us lose with chronic illnesses.
Cannabis and Neurology: A Hopeful Intersection
Medical cannabis has shown promise in managing neurological symptoms. Conditions like multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, and fibromyalgia often include chronic pain, fatigue, spasms, and depression, many of which cannabis may help ease.
In rare conditions like Isaacs’ Syndrome, where treatment protocols are sparse, cannabis offers a complementary option worth considering. Cannabinoids may help:
- Calm nerve hyperactivity
- Reduce muscle spasms
- Support pain management
- Improve sleep and emotional well-being
However, individual experiences vary, and outcomes depend on dosage, formulation, and other medications. Always consult a licensed medical practitioner with experience in cannabis therapy.
Is It Legal to Use Medical Cannabis in India?
Medical cannabis exists in a grey area in India.
The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act restricts recreational use. However, certain cannabis-based medicines, like Ayurvedic formulations using bhang, are permissible. A few startups and wellness clinics offer hemp-based solutions with legal backing.
If you’re considering cannabis therapy, it is important to research the legal frameworks. Ensure your products are approved by local health authorities.
What to Ask Before Starting Medical Cannabis
If you’re exploring medical cannabis, prepare for an informed dialogue with your doctor. Bring your medical history and ask:
- Is cannabis suitable for my health profile?
- What are the short and long-term effects?
- How will this interact with my ongoing medications?
- What should I monitor during treatment?
- Is there peer-reviewed research that applies to my condition?
Taking these proactive steps empowers you to make decisions rooted in safety and self-awareness.
Science vs. Stories: The Balance We Need
Anecdotal stories—like Aaron’s and possibly my own in the future—bring warmth and nuance to medical narratives. Yet it’s essential to balance personal experience with clinical research.
Studies support cannabis’s efficacy in managing pain, anxiety, inflammation, and neurological disorders. But side effects, legal restrictions, and individual variations must be addressed systematically.
A patient-centric approach, guided by medical professionals and informed consent, ensures responsible usage and maximizes benefit.
A Message to Fellow Warriors
If you’re someone navigating rare diseases, unexplained pain, or invisible battles—please know you’re not alone.
Medical cannabis isn’t a silver bullet. But for some, it’s a whisper of comfort when every other scream has failed. My journey hasn’t led to miracle cures, but to understanding. I learned that healing isn’t always about erasing pain—it’s sometimes about making peace with it.
If you’re exploring alternative treatments, take time to research, consult experts, and trust your instincts.
Final Thoughts
Medical cannabis may offer support in chronic and rare conditions. But it’s not for everyone. Legal, medical, and ethical factors must be considered.
Disclaimer
This article is based on personal reflection and anecdotal conversation—not medical advice. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider before making health decisions.