Shane’s Story: Cannabis Treats His Pain and Depression

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Many don't realize there's a side effect to pain called depression - Cannabis/CBD treats both:

Today we feature an interview with a pain management patient that decided the plant was much better for him than pills, and that personal choice has given him freedom. He’s, by far, not alone in the quest to squelch pain as well as what always accompanies it – depression. It’s very hard to stay upbeat when you’re watching the world go by and can’t participate due to your physical abilities being hindered or worse. When we add what strong pain medication does to the state of mind that’s already depressed – the equation is not a pleasant. My own personal experience with this is immense which makes this interview with Shane a very personal one. Many don’t want to speak out about how pain can debilitate them in ways much worse than the physical element so we applaud his bravery and outspoken nature. As a pain management patient that personally said “No More”, I can relate to his story on so many levels and so can many others that have opted for cannabinoid medicine. As the world awakens to realize the plant medicine has been around for thousands of years, more and more turn to it for some type of relief.

Now, let's hear from Shane...

“My name is Shane, I’m a medicinal cannabis patient. I was injured at work as a security guard at the age of 23. My entire life changed as I went from a fit athlete to a disabled young man. I quickly became addicted to the pain pills that were prescribed to me and became accustomed to my new bedridden life. Cannabis is the only reason I was able to turn my life around, begin recovering and push on to live my best life. I’d appreciate the opportunity to share my story with others as I know a lot of people suffer in silence with back pain, nerve damage, and depression.”

“I discovered cannabis through researching alternatives to pharmaceutical medications for pain relief. Daily I’m treating chronic back pain and nerve pain associated with the lumbar back surgery I had to have.” Shane took the bull by the horns and went out looking for his own relief – like many unable to handle life being sedated and unable to partake in normal activities of daily living. “I use 500 milligrams of a nano brand CBD daily in various infused foods and beverages – sometimes up to 1,000 mg. at night depending on pain severity” he explained. Now, these are some high doses that many my be afraid of – but they have been found to work. The reason is due to the powerful anti-inflammatory effects of cannabidiol – which make steroids and other drugs for swelling look pretty weak. As well, medications for depression generally aren’t needed as pain is controlled and prescription drugs are ceased. This is called ‘situational depression’ based on the circumstances and the altered brain chemistry due to the pain medicine. As the CBD and cannabis markets expand, it seems as if some products are becoming easier to access – CBD in high doses is known to give an analgesic relief very similar to THC in smaller doses. For those in states that haven’t legalized THC, this is an option many take. And others, even in legal THC states, will opt for CBD based on its own unique abilities or for other reasons.

Like many, Shane has had interesting responses to his use of CBD, “Family and friends first reaction is hesitant because it’s still federally illegal and they’re uneducated about the truth about cannabis. I’ve been told “I used to smoke but then I grew up” plenty of times. My holistic friends praise it and many use CBD as well” he explained. We’re seeing more and more of this by the day – acceptance of the use of cannabinoid medicine by people who would otherwise be disinterested due to the negative stigmas of the past. When asked about his ability to work now Shane blew my mind! “Career-wise it’s held me back a lot from getting certain jobs because I may come back positive on a drug test due to accumulated traces of THC. This has motivated me to join the cannabis industry as a professional Cannabis and Hemp Extractor. I’ll be hosting private classes in Colorado Springs, Co beginning October 2019 to teach the community how to properly and safely make CBD oil and more.” (Please contact by email if interested in his private classes – Shane@kickercost.com)

Shane continued about his journey off of pain medication to cannabis, “The use of CBD and Cannabis has decreased the need for pharmaceutical drugs. I was prescribed powerful opioids for chronic pain and even more drugs for nerve pain. CBD has been helpful to replace the prescriptions because I’m able to live the resemblance of a normal life – like before being injured.” And like many, Shane found that the prescription medications caused moods and so much more, “pharmaceutical pain medications were addictive, changed my personality and caused depression” he explained, “If you are interested in CBD, Do not wait to give it a try! There are so many different products, different dosages, and ratios so it’s best to jump in and begin learning what product works best for you. Chances are the first product you try might not work the way you want so you’ll have to try a few variations before you find the best product for your specific needs.”

“After switching over to cannabis my activity level has increased significantly!” he told us with excitement, “It helps me to remain active during the day and it helps me sleep better at night which in turn gives me adequate energy for the following day.” It’s always awesome to see a patient like Shane find freedom and get so excited about it they become a teacher to the world awaiting knowledge on the benefits of the plant. “Before cannabis, I’d take pain pills which made me sleep and waste my day away in bed. I would love to do away with the myth that cannabis is a gateway drug – It’s absolutely false. You have a right to choose what you use to medicate yourself with, and no man-made policy should stop you from using a natural grown medicine from the earth. Truly research the plant before coming to any final decision.”

Such a powerful testimony that gives us all hope for the future. As patients like Shane continue their quest to become part of the thriving cannabis industry we know that there’s an increase in quality. When patients and consumers are the focus, the oil is always different and the flower is always cleaner. As much as corporate America would like to take over the cannabis industry – they can’t take over the patient’s will to survive and desire to be part of something much bigger than themselves. I spoke to Shane today and found that he’s a person of people – someone who desires to help the world in ways that we need. More people are opening up as he did about how pain affects our moods and even more about how the pain pills literally turn us into a person we don’t want to be. This doesn’t happen to me with Cannabis and Shane agreed it doesn’t happen to him – instead we find a future that was lost amidst a pile of pill bottles that we simply never needed long-term in the first place. We needed a plant – not an addiction to synthetic drugs that kill. It ate 24 yrs. of my own life and I know it affected Shane the same way, just not for so many decades. What’s beautiful is the fact that he’s up and about – an active citizen in a world that needs the compassion he has in his heart.