Parents reach out to me often for information about how to use cannabis to support their kid’s mental health. Except I'm not your girl. I don't really have much personal experience using pediatric cannabis this way. High CBD has never calmed my son down and since it does control his seizures I try to just leave his brain alone. But a number of families in our group have kids with autism w … [Read more...] about Other Mental/Behavioral Health Options Besides Cannabis
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The Offers
I'm standing still, alone on the black top of an empty street. A single lamp overhead casts a sepia tone through the dense fog settling in around me. My eyes look slowly from side to side as I try to make sense of the quiet, peaceful calm I feel despite the horrific awareness that my child has died. The surreal feelings remain as I roll over and spoon his little body next to me in bed, relieved … [Read more...] about The Offers
The Best Luck
"Good luck," were his parting words. "This will be the rest of your life," said the neurologist who performed our second opinion, offering the grim diagnosis of Doose Syndrome. I had no reason not to believe him. I'd already googled the hell out of "drop attacks" and knew. "But what about this video?" I naively countered, hoping he might watch it with me and get excited too. But he firmly shook … [Read more...] about The Best Luck
How CA’s Recreational Use Impacts Medical Marijuana Patients
I tried not to take it personal when a friend in the cannabis industry chided me for not being more on top of how "The Medicinal and Adult-Use Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act" will impact my son, a pediatric patient in California. Sure I knew this was coming, but the state's website hadn't been updated yet. And since special needs parenting, working full-time, running a business and a household … [Read more...] about How CA’s Recreational Use Impacts Medical Marijuana Patients
CBD, ADHD, Autism and Other Neurologically Atypical Symptoms
The most frequently searched terms that are finding this site are now CBD, ADHD and Autism. And I have more than a few emails I need to return asking the same (I haven't forgotten you, mamas - I'm actually writing this just for YOU). Could CBD also help with my child's anxiety, sleep disorder, sensory processing disorder, Lyme disease, depression, traumatic brain injury, Tourette syndrome, tics, … [Read more...] about CBD, ADHD, Autism and Other Neurologically Atypical Symptoms
Aiyana Kalealani We Love You
“Can God do anything mom?” It can be useful to answer a question with another question when you don’t have an answer, “Like what? What do you wonder if God can do, Oscar?” “A cartwheel. Can God do a cartwheel?” My 5 year old son wants to know. In fact, God can do a cartwheel. He’s doing one now. Head over heels, he’s taken the whole world with him. Round and round, up and over, finally co … [Read more...] about Aiyana Kalealani We Love You
Welcome Friend
When I saw I'd missed 3 calls from an old friend in the middle of the night, I almost didn't call her back. My name starts with "A" so I am often butt-dialed. But I was on vacation alone in Washington, so her timing was perfect. Sitting on the edge of a forest, overlooking the ocean and having a long, uninterrupted conversation with an old friend sounded dreamy. "Who is this?" she answered … [Read more...] about Welcome Friend
Where To Find Pediatric Cannabis Support
"Diane, please note: Mother gives 7-year-old male patient THC oil to treat his seizure disorder." I'd never seen a doctor speak into a tape recorder before, but then I'd never seen this doctor. I fully expected Peggy Lipton to appear with her wide smile to offer me a damn fine cup of coffee and a slice of cherry pie. Trying not to roll my eyes, I corrected the new doctor who was covering for our … [Read more...] about Where To Find Pediatric Cannabis Support
Solid Gold: Tips From Dr. Bonni
The most commonly searched terms that get parents here are: "CBD", "Kids" and "Dosing". They're asking the internet because doctors certainly aren't telling them. Except as a social worker, I ethically can't tell you either. What I can do, however, is empower you with the tools and resources you need to figure it out yourself. I promise, once you get the hang of it, you will feel even stronger and … [Read more...] about Solid Gold: Tips From Dr. Bonni
And She Was
"¿No estoy yo aquí que soy tu madre?" I hadn't expected the drumming. I felt the pounding in my chest before I smelled the copal. Smoke billowed up from the plaza filled with tens of thousands of pilgrims. Dancing, crying, nursing mothers everywhere . . . images of la Virgen were everywhere . . . large statues, faded prints and homemade altars tied on backs, strapped to wheelchairs and s … [Read more...] about And She Was
