They say we need to keep our brains sharp as we age, so I went back to school. Cannabis school.
As I’ve previously shared, I became a cannabis fan when I had ovarian cancer in 1999. I hated the idea of smoking anything, but smoking pot during chemo probably saved my life. Still, I happily gave it up after I got a clean bill of health and went back to work full speed ahead. I never missed it.
I discovered cannabis again after I retired and was desperate for something to help with post-mastectomy pain after being treated for breast cancer. I got approved for using medical marijuana in California, where I live, and I began the great experiment. I learned you don’t have to smoke it, and you don’t have to get crazy high.
A small daily dose of cannabis tincture or cannabis-infused coconut oil eases my pain and makes me feel good. I use homemade cannabis balm to treat achy body parts, including my knees. A cup of cannabis tea or a hit or two off a vape pen helps me sleep. It sounds like a lot, but these are therapeutic doses that enhance my life.
For my second act, I’d like to be a part of this movement to make medicinal cannabis available to those who need it. I’m eager to explore how I can use my skills and talents to contribute. I’ve been reading a lot, but I wanted to broaden my education, so I signed up to attend Oaksterdam University in Oakland, California. I’m in a four-day seminar to learn more about cannabis overall, but this seminar focuses on the business side of this industry. I even got a 15 percent veteran’s discount!
Yesterday was the first day, and it was great. I’m like a sponge, furiously taking notes, asking the occasional question but mostly just learning, learning, learning. The class demographic is skewed to young men. Class pictures are posted on the walls, and I scanned them on a break looking for older women. There were a couple but not many. More than a few older men.
Other than continuing to write about cannabis, I’m not sure how I’ll use my new-found education. Expand my consulting? Maybe. For now, I think I’ll just enjoy the experience and see what happens.
In the meantime, I will say the trip has been good for my brain. Just driving in downtown Oakland was a jump start.