Your voice and vote matters! Use your voice for good in your community and hear a cannabis soapbox speech worth spreading. I was recently asked to share advice on creating a compelling 'Letter to the Editor' explaining the value of cannabis for wellness. This is empowering content you can run with.

Use Your Voice

I compiled some extremely relevant reasons why medical cannabis should be considered below. I tried to make it relatable, easy to understand, and easy to talk about. I encourage you to use it as a template or starting point. Be sure to add your own anecdotal evidence and any relevant stories from others in your community (that you receive their permission to share).

Puff puff, pass it on. -Jo

Pro-Cannabis Script

Copy and paste as much or as little as you like in your "letter to the editor" or on your soapbox at a relevant city council meeting, town hall, or public hearing. If you're into social sharing and insta-stories shout it loud and proud! Have fun creating positive change in your community!

[ACTION ITEM FOR YOU: CRAFT AN INTRO] 2 or 3 sentences

[COPY/PASTE/EDIT THE SCRIPT BELOW TO SUIT YOUR SPECIFIC NEEDS. BE SURE TO ADD THE PERSONAL TOUCHES DISCUSSED IN THE POTCAST.]

Cannabis is a relevant topic of discussion for every member of this community because all vertebrate species - that means you, me, our four-legged family members, even those lizards that inevitably startle us on a warm hiking trail - we all have an endocannabinoid system (ECS). It sounds complicated but its main function is simple - to create balance in our bodies. The ECS controls important aspects of our everyday experience - like our appetite, memory, mood, pain levels, and immune system function.

Just as there are ENDOcannabinoids in our bodies, there are plant-based PHYTOcannabinoids in nature that do the same thing. And over one hundred various phytocannabinoids have been found in the cannabis plant. THC and CBD are the most popular cannabinoids found in cannabis that you’ve likely heard of or experienced. 

As we age our body’s endocannabinoid system declines which is why CANNABIS IS SO GREAT FOR US AS WE MATURE AND AGE! The phytocannabinoids we receive from cannabis work together and offer a host of medicinal benefits and are helping millions of people around the world live happier, healthier lives without ever smoking or getting high. 

Here are a few relevant examples of how modern cannabis can help you and those you love.

Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease

Cannabis not only soothes agitated dementia and Alzheimer’s patients and provides a better quality of life, but evidence also suggests it’s actually slowing the progression and sometimes even reversing the effects of the disease.

Stress and Anxiety

We all suffer from various forms of stress and anxiety over the course of our lives. Cannabis is a natural mood elevator. Microdosing cannabis is a healthy alternative to consuming addictive pharmaceuticals and alcohol.

Arthritis and Lupus

Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in the U.S. Topical cannabis applications work wonders for localized aches and joint stiffness. Cannabis is a more potent anti-inflammatory agent than the over-the-counter alternatives.

Autism

Autism can be an emotionally charged subject, but if you’re a parent looking for ways to help your autistic child lead a peaceful, happy, healthy life I encourage you to talk to a cannabis doctor about potential treatment options.

Cancer

Cannabis for cancer treatment is one of the most widely accepted uses of the plant as it improves quality of life during the painful process of chemo and radiation. But did you know cannabis has the potential to shrink cancer and tumor cells as well? A 2007 study published in Molecular Cancer Therapy concluded that CBD is the first nontoxic agent that can actually slow down the growth of aggressive breast cancer tumor cells.

Diabetes

Cannabis works wonders on our metabolism and can be a great tool in a diabetic's medical kit. Cannabis compounds help control blood sugar and inflammation while improving circulation. Regular cannabis users on average have a lower body mass index than non-users.

Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders

Most of you have probably seen at least one of the viral videos of a sublingual dose of cannabis calming a seizing patient. CBD-rich cannabis is providing hope & relief to children, adults, and pets with epilepsy and other seizure disorders. 

MS and Movement Disorders

The anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, pain relieving and neuroprotectant qualities of cannabis also make it a great wellness tool for patients suffering from Multiple Sclerosis and movement disorders.

Pain Management

Cannabis is nature’s oldest pain reliever and a proven anti-inflammatory agent. And with an opioid epidemic plaguing our nation, cannabis is a safe, holistic option to discuss with your doctor if you take daily prescription pain meds.

Sleep Disorders

Sleep deprivation is a slippery slope that leads to serious health risks. Cannabis encourages relaxation, quiets the mind and lowers levels of anxiety leading to regular, restful sleep patterns.

Women’s Wellness

The connection between cannabis and women’s health is strong and direct. The female reproductive system has cannabinoid receptors that directly interact w/ estrogen thus affecting the menstrual cycle and menopause. An endocannabinoid deficiency can cause early menopause onset, and conversely boosting these levels may actually help delay it. Cannabis supplements estrogen’s role in the body and tames PMS symptoms.

Aging Gracefully

Seniors don’t have to smoke or get high to enjoy the amazing benefits of cannabis for wellness.

A great deal of data suggests that many diseases associated with aging stem from an organisms inability to protect itself against oxidative stress - known as “free radicals” in the body. These free radicals cause all kinds of damage - pain, inflammation, cancer, cataracts, dementia, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, gray hair, hair loss, wrinkles, etc. Vitamins C and E, are thought to protect the body against the destructive effects of free radicals. Health professionals suggest we eat 5-8 servings per day of anti-oxidant rich fruits and vegetables for optimum health benefits. CBD was found to be 30-50% more effective than vitamins C and E.

CBD also decreases bone loss, is a neuroprotectant against the mental fogginess of getting older and the early signs of dementia and Alzheimers.

Cannabis also heightens connection, relaxation, and euphoria… and battles the depression and loneliness associated with getting older and slowing down. 

Does that sound interesting to you? I hope you’re inspired to consider cannabis as a legitimate and necessary medical tool. I encourage you to continue your cannabis for wellness education and support ballot measures for responsibly introducing cannabis into our community and across our state. 

[ACTION ITEM FOR YOU: CRAFT A CALL-TO-ACTION. WHAT DO YOU WANT THE AUDIENCE TO DO? BE SPECIFIC. AND GIVE A DEADLINE IF THERE IS ONE.]

[EXTRA: IF YOU HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO SHARE CANNABIS EDUCATION RESOURCES] 

Here are some helpful resources to empower you with more information.

Cannabis Reference Book Recommendations: 

• Cannabis Pharmacy, "The Practical Guide to Medical Marijuana" by Michael Backes

• Cannabis Health Index, "Combining the Science of Medical Marijuana with Mindfulness Techniques To Heal 100 Chronic Symptoms and Diseases" by Uwe Blesching, PhD.

Online Resources: 

• Green Flower Media The largest, most trusted platform for cannabis information, education, and digital media. There is both free and subscription-based access to videos and programming on hundreds of cannabis-related subjects - science, health, business, growing, etc.

• CBD Usage Study by HelloMD and Brightfield Group

• Zelda Therapeutics brings together the world’s leading researchers and clinicians active in the study and use of medicinal cannabis to treat a variety of ailments.

Suggested Weekly Podcast:

• "Casually Baked, the potcast" for accessible cannabis for wellness information and support