Let’s be honest: giving up alcohol is tough, especially when you love a good cocktail. I’ve spent years savoring expertly crafted drinks, and living in Savannah—a city where food and drink are the heartbeat of social life—makes it even harder. For me, the allure of heading to a bar, chatting with regulars, or meeting new people is almost irresistible. It was easy to justify enjoying a cocktail or two (or more) after a long day, especially when socializing became a key part of my routine.

However, something shifted recently. As I entered my mid-40s, I started feeling the physical toll of frequent drinking: dehydration, fatigue, weight gain, and stomach discomfort from my beloved Bourbon. Combined with the ongoing stress of life, I came to the realization that it was time to take a break.

So, this year, I decided to take on Dry January—a month-long break from alcohol. Now, one week in, I’m feeling surprisingly great. I’ve noticed a boost in energy and a reduction in my usual stomach pains. But, of course, as a cocktail lover, the challenge was finding satisfying alternatives. Here are some tips I’ve learned along the way to help survive (and even enjoy) Dry January without feeling like you’re missing out.

All mocktails are not created equal

First things first: figure out what kind of drinker you are. I’m not someone who enjoys sweet, sugary drinks (think soda or juice), so I quickly learned that many mocktails are just glorified fruit juice—and that’s a deal-breaker for me. When I ordered my first mocktail at a nice restaurant, it came in a tall glass with pineapple juice, a sprig of rosemary, and a frothy top. It was cute, but nothing more than fancy juice. If you like sweet drinks, it may work for you, but it didn’t satisfy my cravings for a more spirit-forward drink.

Spirit-replacement mocktails are a game changer

Once I understood what I wanted (something less sugary, more akin to a classic cocktail), I started asking bartenders about non-alcoholic spirit options. That’s when I discovered Amethyst, a non-alcoholic gin substitute. I tried it in a cucumber spritz, and surprisingly, it hit the spot. The taste had a little of that “bite” that I missed, and it was refreshing. The real magic came when I had it after work, during a time I would typically have a cocktail to unwind. It gave me that calm, relaxed feeling—without the alcohol. I might even keep this one around post-Dry January.

I also tried a virgin Bee’s Knees cocktail made with Seedlip, another great option. There’s something about sipping a drink from a pretty cocktail glass that makes the experience feel authentic. If you’re used to enjoying a cocktail ritual, this adds a lot to the experience.

CBD/THC beverages provide a different kind of calm

If you’re anything like me, the ritual of having a drink to decompress after a long day is part of the appeal. So when I needed something calming but alcohol-free, I turned to cannabis-infused beverages. These are becoming more widely available, and many people (myself included) find that they provide a calming effect similar to alcohol but without the negative side effects.

My current favorite is Wynk’s infused sparkling beverages. They’re no-calorie, sugar-free, and come in delicious flavors. The Black Cherry Fizz with 2.5 mg of THC is my go-to when I want to unwind. It’s not quite the same as a cocktail, but it’s definitely an effective alternative. Plus, it’s a fun way to explore a new side of relaxation.

How’s it going so far?

Surprisingly well, I’d say! Ten days in, I’m feeling lighter and more energetic, and I’ve had no stomach pains (which I attribute to cutting back on alcohol). The stress-relieving benefits I once got from drinking are being replaced with mocktails and cannabis-infused drinks, and I don’t feel like I’m sacrificing too much. The goal at the end of this month isn’t just to say “no” to alcohol but to develop a more moderate relationship with drinking. If this month is any indication, I think I’ll come out of it with a more balanced approach to my wellness and drinking habits.

My takeaways for Dry January (or anytime you want to cut back)

• Know your drink style. Understand what kind of drinker you are and find mocktails or replacements that match your taste (e.g., spirit-forward vs. fruity).
• Experiment with non-alcoholic spirits. They can mimic the taste and experience of your favorite cocktails, so don’t settle for boring mocktails.
• Explore CBD/THC alternatives. If you need relaxation, consider infused beverages as a substitute for alcohol—they can offer a similar calming effect without the downside.

So, cheers! (But with a non-alcoholic drink in hand, of course.) If you’re considering Dry January or just want to cut back on alcohol, I encourage you to explore what works for you—in all aspects of your wellness journey. You might just find that you enjoy the journey more than you expected.

The post How to do Dry January (when you’re a cocktail lover) appeared first on CannaCurious Magazine.

Did you know your skin, the body’s largest organ, is not just your outer shield but also a mirror of your internal well-being? Enter dry brushing, or garshana (pronounced gar-shun-uh)—an ancient Ayurvedic ritual that invites vitality, flow, and self-love into your daily routine, especially during the winter months when our bodies need a little extra TLC.

Winter is ruled by the kapha dosha in Ayurveda, characterized by qualities like heaviness, coolness, and stability. While cozy vibes sound lovely, kapha energy can leave us feeling sluggish, unmotivated, and burdened with ama—unprocessed toxins in the body. Coupled with winter dryness, it’s the perfect storm for feeling lethargic and stagnant. Dry brushing sweeps in (literally!) to restore flow and energy, getting your body back in harmony with its natural rhythm.

How to Dry Brush

Grab a dry brush or exfoliating gloves—this is your magic wand! Here’s how:

1. In your tub, start from the soles. Use gentle, circular motions on your feet and move upward toward your heart.
2. Don’t overthink it. There’s no wrong way to do it. Just brush, baby, brush!
3. Rinse and refresh. Once you’ve given your skin some love, hop into the shower to wash away dead skin cells.

Add extra radiance by pairing this ritual with abhyanga, Ayurveda’s luxurious self-oil massage. Warm almond oil, sesame oil, or la diosa body oil in your hands and lather it onto your body post-shower. For a yummy CBD lotion option, try Potency No. 710’s Higher Good, which also contains 750 mg of healing CBG. Take your time (15 min), let the oil sink into your skin, and reconnect with your body as you release tension and nurture your nervous system. Don’t forget the scalp—your crown deserves the royal treatment too!

Why You’ll Fall in Love with These Rituals

Benefits of Garshana (Dry Brushing):

• Boosts skin texture, glow, and suppleness
• Helps eliminate “chicken skin” (clinically known as Keratosis pilari)
• Supports metabolism and detoxification
• Improves lymphatic drainage and circulation
• Awakens and energizes your body

Benefits of Abhyanga (Self-oil Massage):

• Promotes healthy lymph flow and circulation
• Enhances sleep quality (hello, dreamy nights!)
• Encourages graceful aging and glowing skin
• Soothes your nervous system and restores balance

These rituals are a powerful duo, offering not just physical benefits but also an emotional and spiritual reset. It’s self-love in its most tangible form, melting stress while infusing your day with grounding and nourishment.

A Few Notes of Caution

While dry brushing is generally safe and oh-so-beneficial, avoid it if you have:

• Extremely sensitive skin
• Skin conditions like psoriasis or eczema
• Open wounds or irritated skin (yes, that includes sunburn!)
• An acute illness

Let this winter be your season of intentional care and connection. Garshana and abhyanga are more than skin-deep—they’re a celebration of your body and its wisdom all year round. 

Kathy Rivera (she/they/ella) is a trauma-informed energy medicine practitioner and first-generation queer healer. They’re passionate about supporting BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities in reclaiming their magic, untangling generational trauma, and thriving unapologetically. Their journey began with their own healing, fueled by life’s challenges and a courageous leap from corporate America. Therapy, decolonizing belief systems, and embracing Buddhist practices and reclaiming earth-based wisdom led them to wholeness. Now, they share this wisdom, creating a nourishing space that blends therapeutic yoga, energy healing, and seasonal wellness practices for healing and transformation. A lifelong learner, continuously expanding her knowledge through studies in energy medicine, bodywork, earth-based wisdom, herbalism, and yoga. She also shares her insights through poetic articles, inspiring others on their paths to healing.

Ready to connect with Kathy and explore your own healing journey? Visit kathyrivera.co.

The post The Skin-Boosting Magic of Garshana and Abhyanga appeared first on CannaCurious Magazine.

Picture this: A stunning pink throne fit for an industry queen, nestled against a mesmerizing mosaic of cannabis leaves—a backdrop so Instagram-worthy it practically demanded attention. Custom hot pink champagne flutes emblazoned with “Call me your highness” set the tone for an evening of pure magic, with Cann’s delicious low-THC/CBD beverages flowing freely.

But this was more than just a lovely space. It was a strategic networking sanctuary where women entrepreneurs, innovators, and industry leaders could connect, inspire, and elevate each other away from the conference chaos. One attendee captured the vibe perfectly: “It was like a party within a party—our own little queendom of camaraderie!”

As the evening wound down, guests departed with luxe gift bags packed with premium products from Juana, Kiva Camino, CLEA Midlife, and CannaCurious—a tangible reminder of the incredible community being built.

Creating a safe space for women to kickback and connect was our goal, and it was fabulous to see our intention being felt. Mark your calendars, Your Highnesses. Next year’s gathering is already something to anticipate!

Check out our recap on Instagram!

The post Inside CannaCurious’s Exclusive MJBizCon Sanctuary appeared first on CannaCurious Magazine.

I’ve been itching to decorate a cake for months. When I was little, I used to do it all the time. My elementary school best friend and I often did it together, using the kitchen in her parent’s basement apartment rental unit when it was unoccupied and starting an unofficial business we called Basement Bakery. We mostly made cupcakes and cakes that fit the theme of our own little cousins’ birthday parties. I can still pipe Bob The Builder with my eyes closed.

I couldn’t tell you when I stopped decorating cakes, but ever since I turned 30 in June, I’ve been actively trying to incorporate more of my favorite feel-good childhood activities into my adult life. This weekend, I finally got back to Basement Bakery (ahem, 4th Floor Bakery, I guess).

Over the years, I’ve used cannabis to get out of my own way and to be present in the moment. Rather than convincing myself I should be using my time more efficiently (make a spreadsheet! send cold emails! scrub the floors!), cannabis helps me slow down and just enjoy whatever it is I’m doing. The important part for me is setting an intention so I don’t just end up scrolling and snacking on the couch (though occasionally, that is the intention). 

Spud’s Coffee—my favorite local coffee shop, my makeshift office, my creative haven, and the best brunch in Fort Lauderdale—celebrated its third birthday recently, and I knew I finally had the inspiration I needed. I was puppysitting the same weekend, so I managed my time and expectations, deciding on a boxed mix for the cake and saving my energy for homemade icing and all the decorating. I gathered the supplies the day before so that Saturday would be just about the execution.

On Saturday morning, after a little walk and breakfast, I baked two 8-inch rounds so that I could get some more things done while they cooled for a while. After my errands and tasks, I took the pup on a long walk so that he would be tired enough to leave me to it. Then, I put on a Chill Mix playlist that Spotify made for me, and I took a joint out to the balcony to start phase two. Why a joint? I didn’t want the time commitment of an edible, and I don’t trust myself to clean a bowl or a bong as often as I should, so I don’t even own either of them. I missed my opportunity to smoke a cakey strain for the occasion and instead opted for Grassroots Lady Madonna from Curaleaf.

The calm from the cannabis helped me to just have a good time. I didn’t let the naturally passing thoughts distract me from doing something I wanted to do. I thought about how I was tired from a busy week, and I let it go. I thought about how I’d have to clean up this mess later, and I let it go. I thought about how the cake isn’t gluten-free and that I won’t even be able to taste it to see if it’s good, and I let it go. I was able to create space for the thoughts that served me: what color icing should I make first so I can change the color easily for the next? What utensils am I done with and can go in the dishwasher already? How should I fill the piping bags so I can easily swap out piping tips? Cannabis helped me think clearly and heightened the fun of the creative process.

Even better? I was met with more warm fuzzies the next day when I brought the cake to the Spud’s team. Their reactions only multiplied how glad I was to finally get to it. I’m already looking for a reason to decorate another (call me!).

If you’re inspired to take on a canna-creative project of any size – we want to hear it! Share your story and be featured in one of our next Sesh & Shares.

The post Sesh & Share: Decorate A Cake appeared first on CannaCurious Magazine.

When it comes to bringing together cannabis enthusiasts in a laid-back, fun environment, our recent event, The Wine Down, truly delivered. It was an intimate yet vibrant evening full of laughter, music, friendly competition, and, of course, a little puff-puff-pass (or sips if that was more your style!). We wanted guests—whether they came in a group or solo—to feel like they were spending a night amongst friends while still offering some expert education and conversation from our kind, approachable canna-community. We had good food, good vendors, good games, and good prizes, all led by the incredible DJ Bryan the MC  who kept the vibes high… pun intended. 

If you missed it, don’t worry! Here’s a look back at some of the night’s highlights, along with a few takeaways on why events like this are important for our growing community.

Highlights from the Night

Local Vendors & Sponsors: Our guests were welcomed into the venue by our local vendors who offered education, services, and products to our community. Curaleaf showcased their new Select line, sharing some stash socks and “Women Love Weed” necklaces; Highly Fulfilled Wellness Med Spa whose doctor was onsite to share tips on how to apply for or renew medical marijuana cards; SeaMoss-Organics brought vitamin and nutrient-packed gummies, gels, juices, and resins. They enhanced our community-focused feel, and we love supporting their outreach and growth. It was delightful to see everyone connecting with these small businesses and discovering new products in a casual setting.

Throughout the night, our guests giggled and mingled between games, smoke breaks in the backyard terrace, all the while sipping some BRĒZ, an alcohol-free social tonic of microdosed cannabis & mushrooms, before returning to the final showdown and enjoying snacks from the culinary geniuses at Gratefuel Cafe, our wonderful venue.

Why Events Like The Wine Down Matter

While we’re always into a little fun, our goals with The Wine Down were also to foster a community where people can come together and feel genuinely connected through shared interests in a place that doesn’t shame you for wherever you fall on the canna-spectrum. Events like The Wine Down help create that space in a way that feels accessible, inviting, educational, fun, and judgment-free.

If you were hesitant to attend but are thinking about the next one, know that we craft them with you, the canna-curious, in mind. It’s a relaxed, welcoming environment that celebrates cannabis (whether you choose to use it at the event or not) and invites you to build connections for friends, business, art, and more!

Cannabis culture is about more than just the plant; it’s about the joy, creativity, and freedom it brings. By incorporating entertaining elements like music and games, we’re able to show that cannabis is as much about community and celebration as it is about wellness and education.

Looking Forward: Join Us Next Time!

The Wine Down was just one of many events we plan to host for the CannaCurious community. Our goal is to continue creating spaces where our community can learn, connect, and feel empowered through cannabis. If you’re curious about cannabis, looking for a fun night out, or just want to meet new friends in the community, keep an eye on our Instagram and subscribe to our newsletter for details about upcoming events. And if you attended The Wine Down, tag us in your photos—we’d love to see your favorite moments from the night. We want to send a special thanks to our pals Annie from Elegant Leaf and Cailin from Oh Cai Creative for their help in facilitating and capturing our night!

Remember, whether you’re a regular user or just starting to explore the world of cannabis, there’s a place for you at our future gatherings. These events are for everyone (whether you consume or not!), and we’re here to make sure you feel right at home.

We hope to see you next time!

The post The Wine Down: A Night of Community & Connection appeared first on CannaCurious Magazine.

This year the Revelry Buyers Club and Festival in NYC presented a two-day event featuring a day for buyers to connect with 100 of the best legal New York brands. The second day had festivities for the enthusiasts, the culture, and celebrities to mix and mingle—all for the love of the plant. 

On the Revel has been going strong since 2016 by it’s pioneers, Lulu Tsui and Jacobi Holland. It is always an event including cannabis brands showcasing their products for retail sales, panels, and discussions with local celebrities. This event did not disappoint! 

We were on the lookout for women-led and owned cannabis brands offering quality products to share, and we certainly found them. Here are a few of our favorites.

New York Cannabis Brands to Watch

Dealer Cannabis, Kate McLaughlin, CEO

Dealer Cannabis is one of the only full-scale operations that is Black woman and veteran owned. They were on hand introducing a new sku– an edible chocolate bar that is 400mg/10mg per piece. It will be available in dark and white chocolate. The brand’s flower and pre-rolls can also be found in many dispensaries throughout NYC and the state.

Sky Rose Farms, Jenny Hindes, Cultivator and CEO

Lead by a genuine 3rd generation legacy farmer. Jenny is a 20-year veteran in cultivation and is very connected to the plant. Sky Rose is premium flower at better prices than most. Don’t sleep on this brand!

Tarot Tokes Cannabis, Lovely Hamlet, Chief Marketing Officer

Hamlet is the brains, beauty, and tarot practitioner behind the sun-grown flower brand Tarot Tokes. Hamlet often combines her metaphysical skills to cannabis consumers by including a tarot card with each strain to explain its mood benefits. Tarot Tokes can be found throughout New York State and recently won the best in state for their strain of Lilac Rose.

Supernaturals NY

Supernaturals is a woman-led, family farm. They are known for “using our best quality flower to create the best pre rolls on the market.” They pride themselves on their strict cultivation practices in using only living soil to grow potent flower. But the MVP of the day was by far their gummies–  the best I’ve tasted in a long time. Made with fast-acting THCV and herbs with flavors like Peach Matcha Energy the effects will be out of this world!

Despite the industry is still very male-dominated in terms of cultivation, manufacturing, and sales, Revelry Buyer’s Club did a great job of showcasing these women-led brands who are breaking down barriers. With thoughtful cultivation and branding, they are bringing their unique female perspectives to the plant in the best way.

The post Celebrating Women-Led Brands at New York’s Revelry Buyers Club and Festival appeared first on CannaCurious Magazine.

We spent a little time recently with Jaimee D., Executive Director of a Monterey County nonprofit focused on maternal mental health. Outside of that role, Jaimee is an educator, a trained doula, a certified lactation counselor, and a single mom to a five-year-old daughter. 

Jaimee told us about the mental health benefits of her cannabis consumption and how it helps her manage the demands of life, caring for herself and caring for her child. Though she described a cannabis-friendly Californian community, she still faces challenges in navigating the taboos and attitudes that many people still have towards cannabis. 

When Jaimee joined our video call, she was nestled comfortably in her partner’s home office in Santa Cruz. Before we officially started our conversation, she lifted the laptop to point out the home garden full of cannabis plants directly outside the window behind her. California, right?

Despite her access to locally grown cannabis now, Jaimee grew up on the opposite coast, in a somewhat conservative small town on Long Island. Her parents were educators and coaches, so cannabis was always a forbidden fruit—from use to even just open discussion. As happens in youth, Jaimee’s first experiences with cannabis were smoking whatever buds that teenagers could get their hands on in the backyards or basements of friends’ whose families were a little more laissez-faire or 420-friendly.

Jaimee started to hone in on using cannabis with more understanding, more intention, and even ceremoniously.

After growing up with pretty hushed usage, Jaimee eventually found herself living in California right after adult use became legal. Having the expertise and recommendations of her local budtenders and dispensaries, Jaimee started to hone in on using cannabis with more understanding, more intention, and even ceremoniously. It became her preferred medicine for stress relief, sleep aids, and sometimes just a recreational alternative to cut down on or take breaks from alcohol.

One thing that hasn’t changed since she was young is her preferred method: edibles. Her current favorites are Big Pete’s Treats Cannabis-Infused Mini Cookies, opting for sativa to be present in the moment and indica for winding down at night. 

Aside from overall not enjoying the mechanism of smoking for health reasons, Jaimee also doesn’t want to smell like cannabis around her daughter. “I don’t like the smell… which I think is a bit of a conditioning thing,” Jaimee told me. “I don’t want [my daughter] to come cuddle me and smell weed. But I don’t care if she comes and cuddles me, and I smell like wine, you know?”

Jaimee knows that her own relationship with cannabis is responsible and intentional and has seen how it also supports birth givers and other parents she meets through her work. Like so many others in our CannaCurious community, she still can’t deny there’s the chance someone—maybe even parents of her daughter’s peers—will judge. 

With that in mind, Jaimee has been thinking about the conversations she’ll have with her daughter—possibly sooner rather than later. She doesn’t want to paint cannabis in the wrong light, using it in secret after bedtime in the cover of darkness, nor does she want her daughter to misuse it or face criticisms from those that don’t participate. 

Jaimee faces a dilemma many canna-moms do, which is why we’re happy to share her story with those that can relate. If you’re a California girl like her, too, check out her favorite dispensary: East of Eden. 

Sound familiar? Have something to add to the conversation? We want to hear your story, too! 

The post Supporting Maternal Mental Health With Cannabis appeared first on CannaCurious Magazine.

The event took place just two days before Latinas in Cannabis Day on September 30th and was the first professional Latina empowerment and cannabis industry conference of its kind, giving attendees the opportunity to participate in an impactful and career-building event. It was intentionally curated for personal and professional development, relationship-building, and opportunities for career advancement. 

Over the course of the day, guests participated in impactful panels on advocacy and breaking cannabis stigma, careers in cannabis sales, cannabis and motherhood, cannabis entrepreneurship, and executive leadership. They also had the opportunity to build skills and confidence through value-driven workshops on cannabis PR 101 and the power of the Latina vote this election year.

Guests this year also indulged in tasty treats from Pink & Boujee LA, were given complimentary entry to the Summer Nights in Hollywood concert, and received gift bags from Zig-Zag, including products from them and other top California cannabis brands, plus the chance to win additional raffles as well.

This was a beautiful gathering, and we are looking forward to next year already!
Check out the photos captured by Lidia Ochoa (@lucidlidia on Instagram)

The post Celebrating Latinas in Cannabis appeared first on CannaCurious Magazine.

What hesitations or concerns, if any, did you have before starting?
Due to past experiences, such as painful paranoia and increased anxiety, I always had negative connotations with cannabis. So I was hesitant to try it again. However, upon my own research, I came to learn about the medicinal benefits of the plant and how, when dosed properly, cannabis can actually (and does) improve my anxiety and eradicate my dependency on alcohol.

What is the biggest change you’ve noticed since using these products?
Cannabis has not only helped me unwind but also improved my overall health. I’ve lost 40 pounds, my skin looks better, and I no longer experience memory loss. Even my relationship with my husband has improved because we don’t fight as much. Before I was diagnosed with ADHD, my alcohol abuse increased my anxiety and depression. Cannabis allows me to relax my nervous system without worsening my mental health.

Turning to cannabis also helped me realize my entrepreneurial passion and start my business, Cali Sober Mom. I saw the opportunity to launch Cali Sober Mom as part of a bigger purpose. With my career not being at risk, I’m immensely grateful that I can step up and be a safe voice and resource for those who might feel like they have to be closeted about their cali-sober and alcohol-free lifestyle choices. Speaking out about alcohol-free alternatives and advocating for cannabis reform in my home state of Louisiana and beyond is all part of putting in the work to make this world a better place for our children and future generations.

Tell us your routine for how/when you use these products.
Typically, I enjoy edibles and beverages. Instead of a glass of wine in the evening, I’ll have a cannabis beverage. Or instead of having an alcoholic seltzer at a backyard BBQ, I’ll have a cannabis-infused seltzer.

What are your go-to brands or strains (of cannabis)?
My go-to cannabis beverage brands are Cali Sober, Crescent Canna, and Louie Louie, a locally cultivated and produced cannabis beverage brand in my hometown of New Orleans, LA.

What advice do you have for anyone looking to use cannabis or CBD products?
Start low and slow. There are great cannabis-infused beverages that have 2.5 mg per can. Typically, within 15 minutes, you’ll start to feel the effect, and the buzz will be gone in about 90 minutes or so. So have one, and see how you feel before drinking too many at a time. Then, stack up the feeling you want. This means having one drink, sitting in the feeling for a while, and then once you’re comfortable, having another, if you desire. This way, you can stack on more milligrams at a pace that suits you. Stacking will also help you learn your ideal dosage.

The post Meet Monica! The Cali Sober Mom appeared first on CannaCurious Magazine.

How’s your orgasm?

That’s the question that Dr. Suzanne Mulvehill, Executive Director of The Female Orgasm Research Institute and Founder of the Women’s Cannabis Project, is hoping to encourage.

According to the diagnostic statistical manual of mental disorders, it’s reported that up to 42% of women have difficulty achieving orgasm or suffer from a condition called female orgasmic disorder (or FOD). Despite advancements in sex education, sex therapy, and gender equality, this number is still the same as it was 50 years ago. Considering the possible limitations of populations sampled back then and even now, it’s easy to imagine that number is higher, in actuality. In the same way that the topic of FOD might not come up so easily at the dinner table, it also hasn’t been a priority of scientific research over the last five decades. Dr. Mulvehill has been working alongside her partner, Dr. Jordan Tishler of Inhale MD, to change the conversation and to provide more targeted studies on the relationship between cannabis use and treatment of FOD.

Of course, every superhero has her origin story. 

Dr. Mulvehill recounted her own struggles with orgasms as the motivating factor that landed her on her current path. At a certain point in her adult life, well into marriage and motherhood, she lost the ability to climax. And she had lost it for thirty years. 

As a woman who knew what an orgasm felt like—and to have lost that feeling—she was determined to find a solution. Dr. Mulvehill sought out handfuls of doctors and sex therapists, shelled out thousands of dollars to see specialists near and far, participated in domestic and international orgasm coaching programs, and flat out refused to accept this as a lifelong problem she couldn’t solve. This determination led her to discover studies about trauma and female orgasmic disorder. With a new lightbulb gently switching on in her head, Dr. Mulvehill turned her studies inward and examined the roles that trauma and shame played in her own relationships with her body and with her mind. 

Ironically, some of her trauma was related to cannabis and cannabis users. The majority of the experience she had with cannabis until then was with her then husband, who overused the plant in a way that was detrimental to their lives and their relationship. As those who have dealt with addiction know, it’s often not the substance itself that’s at fault, but the underlying misuse, dishonesty, and dysfunction. Some time after the marriage ended, Dr. Mulvehill leaned into her trauma spot, never imagining that the very plant she blamed as the reason for ending her marriage was the same one that was going to help her heal.

Dr. Mulvehill was candid in sharing that it wasn’t a simple, quick, or painless solution. She didn’t, on the first try, take a few puffs and solve a 30-year problem. Instead, she used cannabis with intention and with direction, took time to work through the pain of her past, gave herself grace throughout, and regularly adjusted her consumption and dosage. Over four months, she found the quantity and environments that allowed her to surrender her thoughts and focus on being fully present. She realized that the difficulty she had in surrendering was perhaps the biggest distraction inhibiting her ability to orgasm. Processing her pain finally freed up space for her pleasure.

How many of us have been in a similar scenario, in or out of the bedroom? It’s easy to be lost in your mind, trying to think about the groceries you forgot to add to your list while you should be listening to your child tell you about the first day of school from the backseat of the car—even reading the same paragraph of a book ten times because you let your thoughts wander somewhere else over and over. Cannabis provided Dr. Mulvehill the solution she had been seeking: a way to get out of her head and into her body.

Since finding her way back to her own body, Dr. Mulvehill has been aiming her efforts at helping those like her. In addition to her ongoing research with Dr. Tishler, she coaches women who are looking for the same solution, regularly collaborates with other professionals like Dr. Nan Wise, a certified sex therapist, relationship specialist, and neuroscience researcher, and Amanda Moser, a sexologist and cannabis researcher, and is even writing her own book to further make these findings readily available. A lifelong student herself, she recognizes and emphasizes the importance of learning and is passionate about sharing what she has learned. 

“Finding the right amount is really a trial-and-error thing for women in terms of addressing this issue,” she told me. “It’s kind of like Goldilocks. You’ve got to find the right dose, the right comfort. You’ve got to know when to take it, who to take it with—all of that.” 

Despite the success Dr. Mulvehill had in taking the Goldilocks approach, not all cannabis users are as comfortable navigating without guidance. This is all the more reason she encourages us to bring up the topic amongst friends and those we trust. A safe, open conversation can help identify any issues, lose the shame, and start healing. While adding orgasm chat to girls’ night is a start, the research and efforts from Dr. Mulvehill and her colleagues have been pivotal in petitioning to add female orgasmic disorder as a qualifying condition for medical cannabis approval in ten states. So far, Dr. Mulvehill reports, “Connecticut approved it at the state level, and the Illinois medical cannabis board unanimously approved it… We’re waiting for state-level approval.” While the status of these petitions varies in the other eight states that have made attempts, it’s a step closer to access, education, and solutions for women in need. 

Though the immediate benefits of an orgasm are obvious, there’s more to it than one might think. Dr. Mulvehill shared statistics that women who suffer from FOD or who don’t orgasm often enough are those with a higher prevalence of mental health issues, those that take more prescription medication, and those that report histories of sexual abuse. They may even be more likely to suffer from cardiovascular diseases or Alzheimer’s disease. Dr. Mulvehill sees the correlations and is pursuing the questions of correlation. As she says, “it’s clearly an issue that needs to be addressed.”

In addressing it so far, Dr. Mulvehill has achieved a 95% success rate in helping the women she works with reclaim their pleasure. With this, along with her commitment and enthusiasm for ongoing research and changes in public policy, maybe it’s better we start referring to her as Super Suzanne. 

Curious about more from Dr. Mulvehill? Us too! There’s more to learn, and we’re eager to continue sharing it with you. Stay tuned as we continue our conversation…and don’t be afraid to get one started with the women in your life in the meantime.

The post Can Cannabis Boost Your Orgasm? The Research You Need to Know. appeared first on CannaCurious Magazine.