Submitted by Megan G. from Midwest, USA

I am 45 years old. I am from the Midwest in the USA. I have been dealing with anxiety for over 25 years.

My mind was filled with racing thoughts

I struggled with quieting my mind and anxiety, which caused frustration, especially when trying to get into a headspace where I felt ready for intimacy. Having anxiety makes it difficult to focus, to try new things, and to fully function some days. Rather than being present in the moment, my mind is constantly filled with racing thoughts. There have been instances where the thoughts were so pervasive that I was not able to engage in any form of intimacy.

I began to seek out other ways to enhance pleasure

In the past, I tried various things. Sometimes I just pushed through the anxious thoughts until I could focus on being intimate. This worked sometimes, but there were times when the thoughts would break through. Using methods like meditation and mindfulness has been helpful for me. These have helped to lessen some of the chaotic thoughts. I began utilizing medication that targets the bodily responses that lead to anxious thoughts. Next, I sought out education about my nervous system and how it works for and against me. Finally, I studied and trained to become a clinical sexologist and sex coach. After doing those things, I began to seek out other ways to enhance pleasure and to support me in calming my anxiety. Cannabis became an additional tool in my toolbox to help in those areas.

I took time to read about Cannabis

My journey with Cannabis started when my husband began researching using it for pain. He started using it prior to me. Having both been DARE kids, we struggled because we viewed Cannabis as a bad thing. In order to deconstruct that kind of thinking, I sought out information to gain a better understanding of Cannabis and its uses. I particularly enjoyed the book The Medical Marijuana Guide: Cannabis and Your Health by Patricia C. Frye, MD. I also began talking with friends who use Cannabis to understand their experiences better. I began following accounts on IG like Cannaqueeriousnp, Ohiochbs, and Michelle Crawford. Finally, I read the EC Newsletter.

Once I felt comfortable with my knowledge base, I began using Cannabis recreationally. I found many benefits to using it for anxiety and to enhance pleasure experiences.

Having context helped me understand why Cannabis was demonized

I really struggled with the stigma. I grew up under the first iteration of the DARE program. I was taught that Cannabis is a gateway drug, that it would rot my brain, and that it would ruin my life. The thought that I may get addicted still lives in the back of my mind, rearing its ugly head here and there. As mentioned before, I did a lot of research. I speak frequently with friends (including ECN Founder Debi Wimberley) about Cannabis, so I can continue learning more about it. I also use reframing to turn something negative into something positive. I recognize how it has supported me and others in living happier, healthier lives. Finally, gaining a better understanding of the history around Cannabis and why it became illegal in the first place was a huge eye-opener for me. Having that context helped me understand that Cannabis was demonized by powerful people for personal gain, not because it is actually harmful.

Intimacy can feel more intense and last longer

I take a THC gummy in the evening, typically about 20mg. I don’t have a specific brand or strain that I use consistently. I have also utilized 1:1 CBD/THC in the past. This helps me with quieting my mind to support going to sleep more easily. It also supports me with being more present when being intimate. What I notice most is the enhancement of orgasm sensations. Because I am less in my head and more in my body, orgasms feel more intense and last longer.

Now I can truly be in the moment

Before incorporating Cannabis for my condition, I struggled with quieting my mind and being present in the moment. After incorporating Cannabis, I found my thoughts slowing down and it was much easier to bring my whole self into the moment. One change that mattered most to me was being able to slow down and truly feel like I was in the moment.

Settling into a space where intimacy is possible

Using Cannabis to enhance intimacy and pleasure opened up a new level of sensation during sex for me. It helped me get out of my head and truly focus on what I feel in my body. For many people, one of the challenges with desire is difficulty with shutting off the events of the day enough to settle into a space where intimacy is possible. For others, they may be looking for a new or enhanced sexual experience. Cannabis did both for me.

This is Megan’s personal story and not meant to be medical advice. It is for informational purposes.

To work with a medical Cannabis professional, please visit our directory of coaches, educators, and medical professionals. Everyone's Endocannabinoid System (ECS) is different; good results start with the right approach. You don't have to figure it out on your own.