by Tab Moura
I was that girl… let me just apologize to all of my readers who medicated long before I did. I really did not get it, and in some ways, I probably still don’t. I’m a Ravenclaw… my teenage experience was somewhere between ‘Lord of the Rings’ and ‘Chicken Soup for the Soul.’ It was pure. You don’t wanna know how many people are shocked to know I grew up to become a cannabis writer and educator. Let’s just say, even I am surprised.
As a kid I was told something like this… “Marijuana (mary-ju-wana) is bad, and it turns people’s brains into mush.” Oh, I had questions. Is it the smoke that melts people’s brains, or maybe it’s the death glares they receive? What is this crazy plant and how is it EVERYWHERE?
DARE really made it seem like turning down drugs would be a daily occurrence, and as far as I knew, anyone was capable of offering them to me. I kid you not, I even checked my grandmother’s room. I thought that people waiting for buses were secretly drug dealers. I remember telling a friend that I didn’t know how she could handle being in public school, you know, with all the drugs. I can’t even write this without laughing so hard I’m snorting.
I was that girl. I had it all wrong and I believed it. Why would I question what everyone told me? Why would someone say “weed is dangerous” if they weren’t sure?
If we rewind the clock, even 115 years ago, we would find cannabis used regularly. No one batted an eye. It was never about whether or not it has medicinal benefits. It was also never about whether or not we could prove its benefits scientifically. Cannabis was replaced with other sleep aids, it was replaced by other pain medications and other muscle relaxers. It was replaced— meaning someone understood how it worked and wanted to use other things in its place.
I choose to write about this plant, because I know there are other “that Girl’s” out there. I choose to write about it from my perspective because I am “not-your-typical” cannabis user… and statistically speaking, there will be more and more “noobs” as states continue to legalize this medicine. We’re new here, we have questions… but that doesn’t mean we have to have doubts.
If you’re in Oklahoma, you are probably familiar with some of our cannabis education resources, but I’ll share a few to get you started in case you aren’t.
ECS Therapy Center – founded by Dr. Regina Nelson
Hundreds of individuals have completed these programs, including myself. Level one is a perfect fit for anyone looking for General need-to-know cannabis knowledge. Levels two and three are in-depth overviews of things like dosing for pediatric patients, geriatric patients, chronic pain, and treatment methods for major conditions like cancer and addiction. This program also offers the opportunity to become certified as a trainer yourself. You can find local Cannacian trainers through ECS Therapy Center.
Oaksterdam University – located in Oakland, California
So many options, I don’t even know where to begin. If you are looking for an education that sets you apart in the cannabis industry, no matter your niche, this is a great place to begin. From cannabis horticulture to extraction, even business management. They’ve thought of everything, but don’t take my word for it. Check them out to see their live and self-paced courses.
Master Regulators – created by Chip Paul (Gnu Pharma)
This course was created by Chip Paul, a dedicated cannabis scientist and advocate in Oklahoma. This course covers the history of cannabis, the basics of the endocannabinoid system, and some information around common diseases. With additional courses in the works, this program could be just the level up that you’re looking for.