Cannabis, Wellness, and the Power of Natural Medicine
What I find strange is when people tell me they don’t use cannabis because it’s considered a “drug” or only “medicinal,” implying that it’s something negative. That mindset is honestly hilarious to me—most people use some form of medicinal herb every single day. And many rely on lab-created medicinal compounds without truly understanding what they're ingesting.
Take Tylenol, for example. I’ve never been able to handle it. It wasn’t until I got extremely ill in college that I found out I was allergic to acetaminophen—the active ingredient in Tylenol. Acetaminophen, also known as paracetamol, is typically made from coal tar, a byproduct of coal distillation. The chemical process involves extracting and converting specific compounds from coal tar into acetaminophen. That allergy worsened my condition, yet I was still told to “just get some Tylenol” by the college hospital. That experience pushed me to start examining everything I consumed.
I’ve always been the one who reacts to things others find harmless. I was the "asthma kid" growing up—I even went to asthma camp. I accidentally discovered I was allergic to oranges after waking up with rashes everywhere. Most perfumes, cheese, soaps, and even tomato plants (but not the tomatoes themselves) cause me issues. I even ended up in the ER last summer over spider bites.
My point is this: being aware of what you consume requires constant examination—What are you taking in? Where was it grown? Who is providing it? And how should it benefit you?
So when someone who could clearly benefit from cannabis avoids it simply because it’s labeled a “drug,” I can’t help but shake my head. That’s outdated and ill-informed thinking.
Cannabis is a plant with medicinal properties. That’s it. It can grow naturally in places like Mexico, Nepal, Northern India, many parts of Africa, Afghanistan, the U.S., and Australia. In subtropical climates, it’s typically planted in late spring and harvested by early fall.
More than that, cannabis is a billion-dollar industry—funding state education, supporting farmers, tech companies, product manufacturers, dispensaries, and contributing significantly to local tax revenue.
Let’s be honest: the main reason cannabis isn’t fully legalized is because the government loses control when the plant is accessible. It would be harder to justify locking up Black and Brown individuals. It would also be harder to claim that Black people don’t own businesses or contribute to the economy. And since cannabis can be grown by almost anyone, it challenges traditional power structures.
Let’s look at some numbers:
In 2024, over 13,000 people died in alcohol-related car crashes, according to Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).
An estimated 178,000 deaths in the U.S. in 2024 were related to alcohol use, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA).
In contrast, zero deaths were directly attributed to natural cannabis use alone. While cannabis use can contribute to some health issues, it does not cause death when consumed naturally, according to High Science and other health organizations.
Let that sit with you for a moment.
Now, I’m not here to push cannabis on anyone. I’m here to present the facts, share the research, and remind my community that Mother Nature already gave us the medicine. Somewhere along the way—through greed and the need for control—we lost the original blueprint.
Cannabis isn’t for everyone. Some enjoy the classic experience of smoking a joint. Others prefer edibles—like gummies or even pork belly sliders infused with THC. And now, the industry is growing in the drinkable cannabis space. More and more companies are creating low-dose (2-5mg) infused beverages so you can consume without the stigma of smoking.
The truth is: alcohol consumption is declining, especially among people under 35, because of its long-term negative effects. Meanwhile, cannabis is increasingly seen as a wellness product—a natural medicine being embraced across industries, regions, and ethnicities.
But for those still hesitant, I want to share alternatives—other medicinal plants that are in the same family tree as cannabis and can be grown by you.
🌼 1. Calendula (Marigolds)
Calendula is taken orally or applied topically to treat inflammation, wounds, and even side effects from cancer treatments. It's:
Antibacterial
Antiviral
Anti-inflammatory
A digestive and immune system booster
Drink it as a tea or make a tincture. Internally, it helps with heartburn, GERD, and ulcers. Externally, it’s great for skin conditions like eczema, burns, and acne.
🌿 2. Valerian (Valeriana officinalis)
Valerian is often called “nature’s Valium.” It's been used for thousands of years to treat:
Insomnia
Anxiety
Muscle pain
It’s a perennial herb that grows well in moist, well-draining soil and full sun. Both its flowers and roots can be used for teas and tinctures. Valerian supports mental calm, relaxation, and pain relief without pharmaceutical side effects.
✨ 3. Turmeric
Turmeric is a powerhouse, thanks to curcumin, its active compound. Benefits include:
Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects
Support for arthritis, depression, and heart health
Absorption increases when taken with black pepper or fat. You can grow turmeric at home (especially in Zones 8 and up), similar to ginger. I personally use it every day—in meals, drinks, and my favorite, golden milk:
Golden Milk Recipe
Combine:
1–2 tsp turmeric
1 cup warm oat or cashew milk
A dash of black pepper
Cinnamon and a drizzle of honey or maple syrup
Simmer for 10 minutes. You’ll thank me later.
Final Thoughts
Sharing is caring. If we want to raise the next generation of healthy humans, we can’t ignore the healing power of nature. Every plant has a purpose—some harm, but many heal. It’s about balance and intention.
Just because something is labeled a certain way doesn’t make it true. The Black community has been saying this for years. It’s time we reframe how we see cannabis—from a criminal to an ally.
Cannabis is wellness.
And if that’s not for you, no problem—just know that Mother Nature still has your back.
