This week’s reader-requested content comes from one of my Substack subscribers in the exclusive subscriber chat.
One of my subscribers wanted to know about Autism and Cannabis use, and, per request, I am happy to share my personal experience as a long-term medical user.
First disclaimer of the post: Though my experience has been positive… cannabis is NOT for everyone.
It might not be for you, even though it works well for me.I know multiple Autistic People who cannot handle cannabis in any form, regardless of strain, including CBD, because of terrible reactions to it.
This article is JUST my personal experience and is NOT intended to be medical advice.
Legal language required by the US government below:
“The efficacy of these cannabis has not been confirmed by FDA-approved research. The FDA does NOT recommend that you use cannabis to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The FDA advises against the use of cannabis products for those who are pregnant or nursing.”
I’m creating a new community outside of social media on Substack (where I can have more control over my space), and I hope you’ll join me as a free member (but I also have paid subscriptions if you want access to bonus content).
I also feel it is imperative to make a statement that, though Autism is listed as a “Qualifying Condition” for medical cannabis in many states (even Texas), it is only ONE of the MULTIPLE qualifying conditions I have.
Many Autistic People who qualify for medical cannabis because of an Autism diagnosis will also be eligible based on other conditions common in Autistics.
I take medical cannabis to regulate some of the common co-occurring conditions associated with being Autistic, NOT “FOR my Autism.”
In addition to being Autistic, other qualifying medical conditions I have (that are common in Autistic People) include (but are not limited to) the list below.
I, personally use medical cannabis for:
- Sensory overload (from triggers many people can ignore)
- Insomnia/sleep disturbance
- Migraine – induced by sensory triggers, lack of sleep, or stress
- Seizures – induced my stress, lack of sleep, or sensory triggers
- Anxious stomach/IBS
- ARFID/trouble eating/feeling hungry
- Generalized Anxiety and Social Anxiety
- Chronic pain (from injuries due to hyper-mobility)
These co-occurring conditions or co-morbidities are the reason for my medical cannabis use.
When I take my green medicine, I am calmer (and more comfortable) but still just as Autistic as I am without it.
Medical cannabis is not a “treatment” for Autism. However, in a medical context, NeuroDivergence is almost always described based on how a person’s NeuroDivergence “inconveniences others” (because we ask the NeuroTypicals to flex their standard ways of doing things to accommodate us).
I “am less of an inconvenience to others” when I have my medicine because I feel better.
The medicine helps free up space in my brain (allowing me to think more clearly and calmly than I can when I’m uncomfortable).
Something about this plant soothes my overactive nervous system.
I struggle with sensory and emotional energy regulation.
I struggle waking up in the morning and going to bed at night.I struggle with having too much energy in my body (radiating out of me in my stims and movements) or not enough (weighing me down) leaving me stuck.
Cannabis, for me, is a regulator.
Strains, timing, and dosage are crucial in using this plant as a regulation tool. Getting it wrong won’t help me and can even make me feel worse, but it is perfection if I get it right.
With my nervous system dialed down, the sensory onslaught becomes less intense, and my brain (which generally is racing due to a combination of Anxiety and ADHD) slows to a pace more in line with the people around me.
You can read MORE of this post for free on Substack.
I’m creating a new community outside of social media on Substack (where I can have more control over my space), and I hope you’ll join me as a free member (but I also have paid subscriptions if you want access to bonus content).
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It would mean a lot to me,
– Lyric
