People ask how I do so much while living with MG. “What’s your secret?” is something I get in my DMs on social media often. My secret is cannabis. 

I’ve been hesitant to share this because I know some view marijuana as taboo or sinful, and something that shouldn’t be used. But I’ve decided sharing knowledge and personal experience is more valuable than worrying about judgment. 4/20 just passed, and it feels fitting to talk about flower and MG. 

Truth is, I’ve used cannabis for most of my MG journey. It’s transformed my quality of life.

I live with constant muscle weakness, fatigue, and pain. I also deal with crippling anxiety, insomnia, and lack of appetite. Cannabis helps me manage all of these symptoms. I view it as another medicine in my pillbox.

A few months into my diagnosis, I started using cannabis at the end of the day. I noticed my body would ache – an intense, throbbing pain that echoed through my muscles and made it impossible to rest. The pain radiated from my head to my toes, keeping me up at night. 

Someone gave me a THC cartridge to vape, and I started using it when I got home from work or school. I immediately noticed the difference. My quality of sleep, my mood, my pain levels, and even my appetite improved. Fears I had about cannabis began to fade when I realized it made my life more livable.

So what were those fears? Mostly, I was afraid of how people would perceive me.

I worried:  “Will I lose the respect of those around me because of the smell?” and “Will people assume I’m addicted because I use it regularly?” 

I also had health concerns. I wondered if cannabis would make it harder to breathe, especially since respiratory weakness is already a symptom of MG. But over time, I tackled each fear head-on. I realized I don’t need to concern myself with others’ perceptions, especially when it comes to managing my health. I use perfumes and candles to help with any lingering smell, and thankfully, I’ve never had any issues with breathing related to cannabis use.

Being a Black woman living with a chronic illness and choosing cannabis as a form of disease management is layered and complicated. 

Negative stereotypes and stigma about marijuana are still deeply rooted in how people view us, especially when we’re seen as “strong” but also expected to suffer quietly. I’ve faced judgment from family, friends, and medical professionals.

But I believe sharing stories like mine helps normalize cannabis as a legitimate, helpful tool in chronic illness care. Everyone deserves to feel good in their body. We shouldn’t be shamed for exploring what helps us get there.

Cannabis isn’t a cure. But for me, it’s an incredibly effective support. It’s helped restore parts of my life MG tried to take away, from appetite and rest to peace of mind and physical comfort.

If you live with MG or another chronic illness and you’re curious about trying cannabis, my advice is this: Start slow, do your research, and don’t let shame be the loudest voice in the room. Talk to providers you trust, and listen to your body above all else. 

Healing doesn’t always look conventional, and that’s OK. This is just one part of my story. And if it helps even one person feel less alone or more open-minded, it’s worth telling.

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