At 33 years old, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. It was a moment that shattered my world and forced me to confront a reality I never thought I’d face so young. Now, at 36, I’ve learned so much about my body, my mind, and the unconventional ways I’ve managed to navigate this journey. One of the most transformative decisions I made was choosing cannabis over the narcotics my oncologist prescribed. It wasn’t an easy choice, but it was the right one for me.
Before my diagnosis, I had been a regular cannabis consumer for years. Like many young adults, I used it recreationally, but I also noticed how it helped me manage stress and sleep better. When I started chemotherapy, I quickly realized that the medications I was prescribed weren’t helping me—they were hurting me. The anti-nausea drugs, painkillers, and sleep aids left me feeling loopy, disconnected, and, frankly, worse than the symptoms they were supposed to treat. I ended up in the ER multiple times because of side effects like severe nausea, dizziness, and even hot sweats. It was overwhelming.
That’s when I turned to cannabis—not as a last resort, but as a lifeline. And let me tell you, the difference was night and day.
Cannabis helped me in ways I never imagined. It managed my nausea when nothing else could. It eased the neuropathy in my hands and feet, which had been unbearable at times. It helped me sleep through the night, something I hadn’t done in months. And perhaps most importantly, it gave me my appetite back. Anyone who’s been through chemo knows how hard it is to eat when everything tastes metallic or when you’re constantly nauseous. Cannabis made food enjoyable again, and that was a game-changer for my energy and overall well-being.
But this isn’t just about my personal experience—there’s real science behind the benefits of cannabis for cancer patients. Studies have shown that cannabis can help manage a range of chemotherapy side effects, including nausea, pain, and loss of appetite. According to a 2017 report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, there is “conclusive evidence” that cannabis is effective for treating chronic pain and chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. Dr. Donald Abrams, an oncologist and integrative medicine specialist, has even said,
“If cannabis were discovered in an Amazon rainforest today, people would be clamoring to make as much use of it as they could.”
For young adults like me, cannabis offers more than just relief—it offers options. And it’s not just about smoking. There are so many ways to use cannabis that don’t involve lighting up. Edibles, tinctures, capsules, and even topical creams can provide relief without the stigma that still lingers around smoking. Personally, I’ve found that edibles work best for managing my nausea and sleep, while a CBD-rich tincture helps with my neuropathy during the day. The versatility of cannabis is one of its greatest strengths.
What’s even more encouraging is that the stigma around cannabis is fading. It’s no longer the taboo topic it once was, especially in the medical community. More and more doctors are recognizing its potential, and patients are feeling empowered to advocate for themselves. For me, choosing cannabis wasn’t about rebelling against my oncologist’s recommendations—it was about finding what worked for my body. And it worked.
I know cannabis isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, and I’m not here to tell anyone what they should or shouldn’t do. But I do believe in the power of sharing our stories. If you’re a young adult facing cancer, know that you have options. Don’t be afraid to explore them, ask questions, and advocate for yourself. Whether it’s cannabis or another alternative therapy, your journey is yours to navigate.
2 years after my diagnosis, I’m still here, still fighting, and still learning. Cannabis has been a crucial part of my journey—not just as a medicine, but as a reminder that healing isn’t always linear, and sometimes the best solutions are the ones we least expect.
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