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Introduction:


Hi, I’m Ashley (Ash) Ross, and I’ve been managing chronic joint pain and sciatica due to arthritis in multiple joints. My condition stems from years of sports, and I experience flare-ups that cause significant pain, especially when walking. I also deal with spasms and sciatica, making day-to-day activities challenging. Medical cannabis has become an essential part of my pain management routine.





My Journey:


I first started using medical cannabis in 2023 after years of trying various treatments. Prior to that, I had used cannabis recreationally, but in 2023 I officially began using it for pain relief. Before turning to cannabis, I tried a range of treatments, including steroid injections, various steroidal anti-inflammatories, diazepam, and codeine-based medications. While these helped to some extent, they never fully addressed the pain and often brought unwanted side effects.





Why Medical Cannabis:


Currently, I primarily use oils for long-term pain relief and vapes to manage breakthrough pain throughout the day. I’m still exploring which strains work best for me. Right now, I’m using Curaleaf T50 oil (50% THC and low CBD) and MG Health ECS Cheese Leche flower. I’ve previously tried Advent T10 (10% THC), Relief BB T7 (10% CBD, 7% THC), and Advent T20 C10 (20% THC, 10% CBD).





I find the oils particularly helpful at night, ensuring I sleep through the night without pain waking me up. This leads to better energy and mobility in the morning. However, I’m still refining my daytime routine to manage pain without experiencing cognitive side effects.





Advice for Others:


If you’re considering medical cannabis for joint pain, my advice is to experiment and find the regime that works for you. Everyone’s experience is different, and it may take time to figure out the best balance.





Side Effects:


So far, I haven’t experienced any significant side effects from medical cannabis, which has been a relief compared to other medications I’ve tried.





Overall Wellbeing:


Since incorporating medical cannabis into my routine, I feel happier, I sleep better, and I’m calmer at work. The improvement in my quality of life has been fantastic, and I’m optimistic as I continue exploring what works best for me.





Let me know if this looks good!