When Wendy was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer in January 2019, she was all but rushed into chemo treatment. And as is usually the case, she was given a "generic" set of guidelines about how the first treatment and subsequent post-chemo would feel.
Cancer patients often feel reluctant to talk about their use of cannabis to manage their symptoms because of the stigmas surrounding the plant, which is classified as a Schedule 1 drug in the United States.
Even when public opinion on medical marijuana is becoming more accepted and widespread, there is often a sense of shame and fear of repercussions associated with its use by cancer patients; due to the risk of disapproval and judgment from their healthcare provider.
Healthcare providers must be open to hearing about their patient's cannabis use and discuss concerns and potential risks. If the patient is not already doing so, the provider may suggest discussing cannabis-based treatments with an oncology specialist.
The provider can also provide educational resources about the benefits and possible risks associated with cannabis use for cancer patients. It is also essential for the provider to be aware of their state's laws around medical and recreational cannabis use to provide the best care possible.
Now let's meet Wendy, who inspired Frog's Hair Wellness.
When Wendy was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer in January 2019, she was all but rushed into chemo treatment. And as is usually the case, she was given a "generic" set of guidelines about how the first treatment and subsequent post-chemo would feel.
Under the impression, it would be a couple of days before the effects of the first chemo treatment would kick in. When Wendy and her husband, Jeff, left the treatment center, they had no idea that just a few hours later, Wendy would feel nauseous.
While both Wendy and Jeff were not active cannabis users, they did own an insurance agency specializing in insuring cannabis companies, so immediately, Jeff reached out for some guidance while he was driving to a dispensary.
Jeff returned with various products and gave Wendy the recommended doses, and unfortunately, it didn't quite go as planned. Wendy woke up several hours later and said she saw Elephants and her heart was beating fast. As a spouse, Jeff was beside himself.
Through his reading and education, Jeff learned every person has a different tolerance level, and you should start low and work up to it. And only some products are suitable for each situation.
Unfortunately, some of the best solutions available are often unable to get shelf space at dispensaries or aren't explained to everyone.
So, getting the right product to the right person is an arduous process, to begin with, and all while figuring out the logistics and state, county, and city regulatory compliance to make it happen.
Effectively, grabbing control of Wendy's treatments over the last three years set the tone for "Frog's Hair Wellness" to create an experience for others so they don't have to go through what Wendy did to get the correct medicine.
Wendy very quickly embraced the alternative medicine world of cannabis after a year of chemotherapy, multiple surgeries, radiation, and the start of the healing process.
And finally, when Wendy was cancer free in early 2020, the last piece of the puzzle was that she found the desire to share what she had learned about the benefits of this plant.
So through Jeff and Wendy's experiences and guidance Frog's Hair Wellness was founded.
The advantages of having your healthcare provider have a solid resource person on cannabis therapies are proving to be beneficial in states that have legalized marijuana for the following reasons:
- Better medical care: By discussing cannabis use with a healthcare provider or liaison, patients may get advice and information about the best way to use cannabis and guidance on health risks and potential benefits.
- Increased safety: Healthcare providers may be able to advise which forms and strains of cannabis are less likely to cause unwanted side effects, as well as how to avoid potential interactions with medications, alcohol, or other substances.
- Having a resource person on cannabis therapies ensures that healthcare providers have a reliable source of information on cannabis to answer questions from patients or other healthcare providers.
- A knowledgeable resource person on cannabis therapies can help healthcare providers address doctor-patient knowledge gaps about cannabis products and their potential therapeutic effects.
- Having a resource person on cannabis therapies can provide healthcare providers with evidence-based information on cannabis safety and efficacy to inform decision-making and patient care.
- It also allows healthcare providers to stay updated on the current legal and regulatory landscape of cannabis and be better.
As more healthcare networks adopt cannabis education in medical marijuana states, many healthcare networks and organizations are beginning to offer cannabis education for healthcare professionals.
This includes the California Medical Association, the National Institute for Cannabis Investors, and the American Medical Marijuana Physicians Association. Medical Cannabis Education is also offered as part of Continuing Medical Education in certain states, such as New York and Massachusetts.
For more information about Frog's Hair Wellness, go to: frogshairwellnessca.com
Read more on Medical Cannabis Course Offers Information for Palliative Care Clinicians.
