Episode 116
Terese Bowors:
Decoding Health Myths: The Untold Impact of Cannabis on Chronic Wellness
In today’s episode, I have the pleasure of introducing Terese Bowers, a passionate advocate for plant medicine and its place in our wellness routines. We share an enlightening conversation about the role of cannabis in managing chronic conditions and achieving wellness.
First Aired on: Dec 4, 2023
Episode 116
Terese Bowors:
Decoding Health Myths: The Untold Impact of Cannabis on Chronic Wellness
In today’s episode, I have the pleasure of introducing Terese Bowers, a passionate advocate for plant medicine and its place in our wellness routines. We share an enlightening conversation about the role of cannabis in managing chronic conditions and achieving wellness.
First Aired on: Dec 4, 2023
Table of Contents:
In this episode:
Episode Summary
Joining us in this episode is Terese Bowers, a Certified Medical Cannabis Coach, educator, and public speaker, who has turned chronic illness into a journey of discovery and healing using plant medicine. We dive into the intricacies of incorporating cannabis into wellness routines, understanding the endocannabinoid system, and the way certain cannabinoids like THC and CBD can be used therapeutically without the high.Key Takeaways and Insights
Terese Bowers' Personal Journey
- Introduction to Terese and her background in using cannabis for wellness. [Page//00:00:00]
- Terese’s experience with her daughter’s type 1 diabetes diagnosis and how it led her to seek out holistic self-care rituals. [Page//00:01:00]
- The progression from caring for her daughter to managing her own Chronic Fatigue Syndrome with cannabis. [Page//00:03:00]
- Her son’s struggle with Lyme disease and how cannabis played a role in his pain management. [Page//00:06:00]
- Terese’s journey to become a certified cannabis coach following the legalization of cannabis in Canada. [Page//00:07:00]
Cannabis Understanding and Usage
- The importance of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in maintaining homeostasis. [Page//00:16:00]
- Differentiation between endocannabinoids and phytocannabinoids, with focus on anandamide which is linked to bliss. [Page//00:17:00]
- The significance of THC and CBD, their unique benefits, and how they work better together due to the entourage effect. [Page//00:19:00]
- General safety considerations and who should be cautious about using THC. [Page//00:21:00]
Implementation and Guidance
- Encouraging listeners to set intentions and listen to their bodies when starting with cannabis. [Page//00:34:00]
- Advising on how to talk to healthcare providers, especially pharmacists, about cannabis use when on medications. [Page//00:31:00]
- Discussing the potential of growing your own cannabis plants for a more holistic connection to the plant’s healing properties. [Page//00:28:00]
Terese’s Recommendations for Listeners Starting with Cannabis
- Starting low with dosing and gradually assessing your body’s response.
- The benefits of having a clear intention about what you want cannabis to do for your health.
- Utilizing a variety of ingestion methods aside from smoking, like oils, tinctures, and vaporizers for better control and efficacy. [Page//00:23:00]
Resources and Links
- To learn more about Terese Bowers and her coaching, visit her website at terese.ca where you can also get a guide with four tips to choose the right cannabis for you. [Page//00:35:00]
Other Resources:
Connect with Terese Bowors
Episode Transcript
Julie Michelson: [Page//00:00:00] Welcome back to the inspired living with auto immunity podcast. I'm your host, Julie Michelson. And today we're joined by Terese Bowers. Certified medical cannabis coach, educator, and public speaker. Terese is an unyielding chronic illness thriver, who harnesses the power of plant medicine, gardening, and meditation to sculpt her holistic self care rituals.
Julie Michelson: In today's conversation, Terese educates us about incorporating [Page//00:01:00] cannabis into wellness routines as a way to live a full and vibrant life.
Julie Michelson: Terese, welcome to the podcast.
Terese Bowors: Thank you so much for having me. This is awesome.
Julie Michelson: I'm excited for this conversation. I would love to start by just sharing a bit of your journey with us. Um, you know, because being a cannabis coach is, is definitely, obviously it's a new, newer field, um, but I know that your journey led you to where you are and so I'd love to hear your story.
Terese Bowors: So the story starts, um, about 14 years ago, 15 years ago, um, my daughter was nine years old.
Terese Bowors: And, uh, we were living in a beach town and took our breakfast or dinners to the beach every night and rode our bikes to get groceries. We had a beautiful, uh, a beautiful life and, um, something started to happen and her health started to decline and she was losing weight. [Page//00:02:00] She was losing motivation. She was losing energy.
Terese Bowors: And I just was like, does she have a yeast infection? Is she, is there something else going on mentally? Like, I was just kind of exploring what, what was happening. And it came to the point that we really needed to take her into the doctors. And they diagnosed her with type 1 diabetes. And, uh, that was a huge game changer.
Terese Bowors: We had already been living a really healthy lifestyle. I think even at that point, I was eating raw foods. Like we were just like getting into the earth and really getting to know our bodies and, um, and being in nature. And so this was a huge shock. And they said to me, um, well, type 1 diabetes is genetic.
Terese Bowors: So I went back and started to talk to my families and, uh, there's nobody else with type 1 diabetes. And so they said, well, um, then maybe there was a virus or something. And I searched back through, you know, the last few months and there was no illness. And it came down to, for me, um, [Page//00:03:00] environmental toxicity.
Terese Bowors: Even though we're living a clean lifestyle, the toxins, um, that are in our world are inescapable. So, um, and caring for her and changing our lifestyle to meet her needs. Um, I was caregiving 24 7. I was up at night, and I was losing sleep, and I was getting sick myself. Chronic fatigue syndrome was what the diagnosis came for me and I needed a solution, but I needed something that would still be able to keep me as a caregiver and look after myself.
Terese Bowors: And um, that's when I, I was just heard a calling by the cannabis plant and I always like to bring her so that you can see and just kind of see what the beauty of this plant. This is not a real one, so it doesn't have all the features, but this is the plant medicine in the flower. And I was really called to this plant and, um, which was quite unusual because my upbringing, I grew up in a religious organization that was very doctrinal.
Terese Bowors: We didn't have, um, we didn't go to [Page//00:04:00] movies. We didn't have playing cards. I wore long skirts and then my heads covered, heads covered. Women weren't, uh, just, they were different in the society than what we have here. And so cannabis or anything remotely like that was not ever in my awareness. And so I was a bit, and I left when I was 17, my family left that organization.
Terese Bowors: And, um, and so cannabis could come and knock on my door and say, Hey, um, I want you to try me. And so I did, I talked to my husband and I was like, I just, I really want to try cannabis. And he was on board, and one night we put the kids to bed, and um, he rolled a joint for me, and we went out into the garden, sat in the hammock, and uh, lit that joint together.
Terese Bowors: And I had my first puff. And it was just so, so eye opening. I felt the caregiving stress, and the pain, and the anxiety lift off my shoulders. And I looked up into the sky, and I could see the stars, and I was like, Why has this never been shared with me before? [Page//00:05:00] Why has this been criminalized and demonized to the nth degree?
Terese Bowors: And that's when I knew I needed to get to know this plant and incorporate it more into my life and figure out how its healing capabilities work. So I dived in, I started researching and studying, and started to consume the plant in a more conscious way, utilizing it throughout the day, and using the different cannabinoids like THC and CBD.
Terese Bowors: And I started to be more open about my consumption with my family. About that time, my son, who was um, 14, was diagnosed with Lyme disease. And it was extremely debilitating. So I was thinking, you know, as my daughter ages and gets older, my caregiving will start to decline, to step back. didn't happen.
Terese Bowors: I was full on with caregiving for him. His Lyme disease presented with symptoms of severe pain in his head. 10 out of 10 pain that would last up to 72 hours that would totally incapacitate him. And [Page//00:06:00] then 3 days, 4 days of fatigue after that to try and recover. And then the pain would come back. And we had this vicious cycle for, for years.
Terese Bowors: And when he was 16, he heard me, um, listening about cannabis on a podcast. And he said, Hey mom, would cannabis work for me? And I'm like, well, I don't know. You're a, you're a, you're under eight. What do we do with this? And so we found a pediatric, uh, uh, cannabis. Doctor who would prescribe it for him and started to work with it for him.
Terese Bowors: And it was phenomenal how it helped him to reduce his pain, um, and, uh, insomnia, um, bring back his appetite because he wasn't eating and just bring back more spark to life. So even though, um, I wouldn't say that cannabis cured him, but I would say it. It kept him, um, on this earth, because as a teenager with such debilitating pain, I've seen what happens to other families and I didn't want that outcome for me.
Julie Michelson: Yeah. Wow.
Terese Bowors: Yes. [Page//00:07:00] So that's where we are. And then from there, um, when legalization, I'm from Canada. So when legalization came, I wanted to, um, share my knowledge and I studied, uh, at the Cannabis Coaching Institute out of Boulder, Colorado and, uh, became a certified cannabis coach and educator. And then from there, I just, yeah, I just continued to dive into the science of cannabis, getting to know and revere this plant in a deeper way and building more intention and mindfulness into this healing capabilities.
Julie Michelson: And when was cannabis legalized in Canada?
Terese Bowors: October 2018. So we're five years in to
Julie Michelson: Okay. Okay. So ahead of, I did not realize that. That's great. I'm, I'm, I'm in Colorado. I'm not, not far from where you trained. Um, and. Yeah. And so it's, at least in the States, Colorado has always been a little bit ahead of the curve as far as medical use and, and just [Page//00:08:00] legalization.
Julie Michelson: So
Terese Bowors: Yeah. Yeah. That's all thanks to Charlotte, little Charlotte,
Julie Michelson: Yes. Yep.
Terese Bowors: Yeah. Amazing story. Amazing story.
Julie Michelson: So amazing. And, and how is, how are the kids now?
Terese Bowors: Yes. So they are 24 and 21. And, um, so my daughter at 24, uh, she manages her diabetes really well. She's never had knock on wood. I'm knocking on wood right now. She has never had a repeat hospital stay due to her diabetes, which is really unusual. Um, and so we're so grateful for that. Um, her, when you have one illness like that, it kind of opens the door for more to come.
Terese Bowors: So she does have three more, um, autoimmune conditions, which she is managing and just thriving though, like she embraces these as not defining who she is, but as a reason to continue on. And so I'm so, so proud of her, um, and her inspiration. My son at 21, um, this year, earlier this year, he had some huge healing to the point that he said in May, I want to [Page//00:09:00] move out and I never ever thought that that day would come when he would move out.
Terese Bowors: And so he did, he moved out this summer on his own, had a great time. And then both of them, um, had their leases coming up. And so in September they moved in together and in my hometown. So they're just down the road. And, um, so I get to see them lots and have family dinners and, uh, yeah, they're, they're thriving and living with these conditions, but I'm not allowing them to define who they are.
Terese Bowors: And I'm just, I'm so proud of them.
Julie Michelson: That's amazing. And that's healing for you
Terese Bowors: Absolutely.
Julie Michelson: well as well. And I know you have other conditions. You manage other health challenges that the cannabis is a part of your keeping high functioning still.
Terese Bowors: Yes. Absolutely. Yes. So I was diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome, multiple chemical sensitivity, Lyme disease, and most recently SIBO. So that's been my journey this year is with SIBO, which is small intestinal bacterial [Page//00:10:00] overgrowth. And, um, the, but healing is possible. So this year, especially I have been doing a lot of deeper healing and, and over the last 14 years, I've, I've done everything you can imagine.
Terese Bowors: And. I actually had huge healing this year because I stopped trying to thrive for the next best thing. I stopped kind of, well so and so did this, and so and so did this, and this is supposed to be the newest whatever. I've done that for the last 14 years. And this summer, I stopped. I just stopped. And I said, I'm just going to listen to what my body's calling me to do.
Julie Michelson: Which is key.
Terese Bowors: Yes.
Julie Michelson: Yeah. Love that. I love that. You have, there's so many directions I want to go in and I want to circle back, um, to, you know, using cannabis medicinally and, and, um, but I have to ask, I know that [Page//00:11:00] napping. Is the part of your wellness routine. Can you share a little bit with us about that?
Terese Bowors: Absolutely. Yes. So when napping came into my life, it was part of one of the first tools that I utilized with my Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. And at that time, I was napping two to three hours a day. So it was actually not really a nap. It was.
Julie Michelson: Sleep.
Terese Bowors: and that's what I needed. I needed that nourishment. And, um, so I, I really mindfully tried not to fight it, even though like looking back over the years and the kids will say, mom, do you remember this?
Terese Bowors: Or do you remember this? And I'm like, no, I wasn't there for that. And I missed out on a lot of family things because a lot of the activity happened in the afternoons. And, um. So I've been developing this relationship with napping because it's been my lifeblood and I need to be able to reconcile that this is for me, and it's not taking away from me.
Terese Bowors: So over the last few years, my napping has changed, um, it, it moved down to two hours, and [Page//00:12:00] then it moved down to an hour. And then it moved down to 40 minutes. And this year, it's 20 minutes. And my husband's like, oh, you're not completely healed because it's, you still have to nap. This was the message that I was
Julie Michelson: No,
Terese Bowors: And I'm like, wait, wait, wait, wait, no, no, look at where I've come from. And now, um, Napping is still a huge part of my life because it's 20 minutes. It's a break in the day to let my mind rest, to let my body rest, to breathe, to listen to a meditation or a podcast or whatever, just to check out for a bit.
Terese Bowors: And I feel this is one of the healthiest routines that I have. And I am so, so committed to it. And I encourage everybody, it doesn't have to be a nap. You don't might not need to sleep. I do. I need to fall asleep. But not everybody does, but everybody needs that refresher.
Julie Michelson: absolutely. And so even if you, I love that you said, you know, sometimes you're listening to a podcast, like it, it may not, it's allowing your body. [Page//00:13:00] Um, I have a client who was just struggled with sleep for years. She could not sleep at night and. One of the ways we help fix her nighttime sleep was creating that routine of the afternoon break.
Julie Michelson: And in the beginning, I mean, of course, as soon as she would sit down, she'd pass out and fall asleep because she was so sleep deprived, but it was she was just stuck in that cycle. And so it, whether it's for increased productivity. You know, reduced fatigue and, you know, better energy pain, all the things.
Julie Michelson: And yeah, even sometimes can help your nighttime sleep. I know people get afraid of, Oh my gosh, if I sleep during the day, I won't sleep at night and, and it just depends on what your body needs. And so I love that. I think an afternoon break is essential. It really is.
Terese Bowors: One of the other things, tricks that I did to make it enticing and to make this a luxurious event, like I don't want it. I don't want to be go to your nap [Page//00:14:00] and it be a punishment. I wanted it to be inviting. And this this opportunity wouldn't would draw me in. And so I got a hammock and it's a lace like a woven white lace hammock.
Terese Bowors: It's beautiful. And I put it in my bedroom.
Julie Michelson: Love that.
Terese Bowors: And then I laid, I lay a sheepskin on the inside and I have a pillow for my head and a pillow for my knees and a cozy blanket. And my noise cancelling headphones on so it doesn't matter what's going on in the house. I can still have my nap. And so it's creating that whole environment for, for just for your heart to just go, Oh, it's so warm and cozy.
Julie Michelson: That's amazing. It's a beautiful ritual, right? Really. So I love that. So I'll shift back now because I know that the, the, one of the main purposes for our conversation was to share this information that you have about how people can use cannabis. Um, as I like what you said, you know, you're not saying it healed you.
Julie Michelson: You're saying it [Page//00:15:00] allows you to live your life to the fullest, which is huge. You're welcome. I appreciate this. The goal, no matter what, right? That's what we want. That's what I want for my clients. That's what I want for my family is that we can really, you know, any of us who have had that kind of chronic decline, no, no life getting shorter and smaller, you know, just that everything shrinks down around you.
Julie Michelson: Um, and so as a tool. To help expand out, you know, teach us a little bit about, um, because I, I know that we've got listeners that have never tried and have just, all they have are the stories you've heard about when it's been illegal. And, um, so just share with us a little bit for some people that are totally uneducated.
Terese Bowors: Absolutely. Okay. So I have some cue cards so that it's a little bit easier to understand. So I hope that's the right way. Can you read that?
Julie Michelson: That's great. It's [Page//00:16:00] great, but then we'll read them out loud because for people listening on the go.
Terese Bowors: Absolutely. Okay. So sure. Yes. So we'll do. So I want to talk about the endocannabinoid system. And so you may have been like me like endo what? Um, so this is a system within our body. We've referred to it as the ECS. So it's the endocannabinoid system or the ECS. The endocannabinoid system was discovered in the, in the late 80s, early 90s as a system within our body that, um, wants to bring homeostasis and balance to the other systems within the body.
Terese Bowors: So it's like this master regulator that we haven't known about. We know about the respiratory system and the skeletal system and the cardiovascular system, but this is like the master system. And if we don't address this system first, before we look at all the other systems, we're not going to be as effective in our healing.
Terese Bowors: And so we want one of the, one of the things that cannabis coaches are so passionate about is sharing this knowledge that you have this hidden [Page//00:17:00] system within your body, and guess what? Cannabis interacts with it. But we also, we don't have to have cannabis to activate it and to bring health and wellness into it.
Terese Bowors: We can do other things as well. One of the ways that the endocannabinoid system works is through cannabinoids that we make in our body called endocannabinoids. So you may have heard of the term cannabinoids. That's what we use to refer to things like, um, THC and CBD. And those are, those are found within plants, but within our body, it's called an endocannabinoid.
Terese Bowors: And we have two main cannabinoids within our body. One is called anandamide, and the other one is called 2 AG. And if I want to focus on anandamide a little bit, because of the amazingness of this cannabinoid within our bodies, the, the word, uh, uh, anandamide in Sanskrit means bliss. We are supposed to be blissful.
Terese Bowors: We are created with [Page//00:18:00] bliss, regenerating organisms within our beings. And through illness and through our environment and through other factors, we're deficient. We're noticing deficiencies within our bodies. So, If our first response is, I am never blissful, I never find bliss, there's nothing at ease within my body or in within my life, then let's look at anandamide.
Terese Bowors: And if we're deficient in creating it within our own endocannabinoid system, we can look to cannabis because cannabis fits into the endocannabinoid system. It's amazing. How can a plant work with us to be able to create the bliss and homeostasis that we need? So that's what we call the, the, um, cannabinoids found in cannabis are called phytocannabinoids because they are found in the plant.
Terese Bowors: And there's lots of cannabinoids. The two main ones that we always talk about, you probably hear about, are THC and CBD, but there's lots, lots more. But we focus on THC and CBD when we're beginning with cannabis just [Page//00:19:00] so that we can really get a handle on how these cannabinoids work within our bodies. THC and CBD both do different things.
Terese Bowors: And I've noticed that we've started to demonize THC. So now with the research coming out about CBD, it's like, Oh, CBD is the best. It doesn't make you high. It's so good. And THC, that's the bad one because that makes you high. But I want to just explain how they work together. So if you think about, so as THC comes and CBD come into the body, they bind into the receptors within the endocannabinoid system.
Terese Bowors: THC does amazing work with pain reduction, with anti inflammatory properties, with helping with sleep. CBD does amazing with anti inflammatory, with anxiety. With balancing the body with mood, and so they each have their their benefits separately and then together as well when we combine [Page//00:20:00] them, we get this called what's called a entourage effect.
Terese Bowors: And so when we look at the whole plant and we bring in every part of the plant, it works together synergistically, and it helps the CBD helps the THC work better and the THC helps the CBD work better. We don't have to get high, though, and that's the piece that we kind of get caught up on is, oh, I don't want to get high.
Terese Bowors: Yeah, I hear you. I hear you. And you don't have to. By using therapeutic levels of THC and keeping that dose low, you don't have to experience a high. And also when you pair it with CBD, because CBD can help to reduce the effects of THC by causing that intoxicating effect. So at any time, if you are trying cannabis and you want to work with it, always have CBD in your first aid cupboard.
Terese Bowors: Because when we're working with THC, it's inevitable you might experience an unintended high. And it's okay. It's not harmful. It doesn't bind into, THC doesn't bind into any life saving, like our amygdala, where our life saving devices are. It doesn't bind [Page//00:21:00] into that. So it will not result in overdose and death, ever, with cannabis.
Terese Bowors: So that, we can take that right off the table. You will not ever overdose with too much THC. But if you get too much and you feel uncomfortable, take some CBD and that will help to calm that and soothe that response out. And breathe. Um, because your, your body's just having an overreaction, an overabundance of cannabinoids within your system.
Terese Bowors: That's all.
Julie Michelson: Got it. And so it's interesting you say you, you can't OD. Um, are there people that shouldn't take THC or use cannabis?
Terese Bowors: If you have a history of, um, schizophrenia, uh, then it's really good idea to be monitored closely and really watch what, how you're utilizing cannabis. I would stay more to the CBD side and just be really, really aware, um, because it can activate that response. So certainly for people in that demographic, just be really, really aware, uh, keep your doses really low and [Page//00:22:00] really pay attention and listen.
Julie Michelson: Okay. And, and I had heard, um, ages ago, so this could be myth that some people genetically, um, just don't handle THC well or cannabis well. Is that a myth?
Terese Bowors: That is true. That's true. It's actually new. The research is coming out now and we have, we have tools now, genetic testing for cannabinoids to see how your body responds. Cannabinoids and terpenes, I believe, that they, they They test both. So the terpenes are like the sense of the plant, which have their own medicinal benefits as well.
Terese Bowors: So yes, you could be a non responder. Um, and often you don't have to go through and do the genetic testing. You can just simply try it, try it in low doses and see how you respond. Um, but we need to also be aware that It's finding your perfect dose is different than being a non responder. So when we start working with cannabis, uh, it's not the same dose for everybody, and it's not the same method of intake for everybody that's [Page//00:23:00] going to be effective.
Terese Bowors: So if you try, let's say you try cannabis, um, with smoking a joint and you're like, Oh, it was okay, but it didn't really do what I wanted it to do. Maybe you need to move to something like an oil or a tincture. Um, maybe you need an edible, maybe you need something in the form of a salve, something that you can rub onto your skin.
Terese Bowors: So there's different methods of intake. So before you jump to the conclusion that, Oh, it's my genes. I just can't do it. Um, there's an exploratory process. Uh, and that's why working with a coach is really helpful to be able to guide you through because sometimes we give up too soon. We
Julie Michelson: I have to add my, and I'm not a cannabis coach and um, , but as a health coach there are a lot of good options for using cannabis and THC and CBD and all, all the parts. And, and I love that there is always, 'cause nature's brilliant. There's a synergy when you're using the whole plant. Um. But I, I just have to add my [Page//00:24:00] disclaimer of I don't recommend smoking because I don't recommend smoking, and that's not the only that's just so not the only option anymore.
Julie Michelson: So
Terese Bowors: Let me show you the difference. So I, I have these for demonstration. I rarely would use, utilize cannabis in this form. Instead, I use it. So instead of talking about smoking, when I'm referring clients to taking it in this way, that that's called inhalation. So the method of taking it in through a vapor is called inhalation, but we prefer to use it through a vaporizer.
Terese Bowors: So something that you use the raw herb. So this is this ground up flower, raw herb. It's not a concentrate. It's not your vape. Pen, not vape pen. This is a dry herb vaporizer, and so it vaporizes the plant at whatever temperature you set. And um, it's kind of like when you're working with an inhalers, like a bronchial dilator or asthma, you're puffing it in because it absorbs through the lungs.
Terese Bowors: So this is the same concept of getting it in through the lungs [Page//00:25:00] without overheating and fire and smoke.
Julie Michelson: thank you. I didn't know you had props ready, but I just wanted to bring that up.
Terese Bowors: Absolutely. It's so good because this is all we know, right? Like, we're like, oh, I have to smoke a joint. Well, no. Yes, the belief is we have to smoke a joint and we have to get high.
Julie Michelson: Right, right. So how one of my, uh, commonly heard concern, um, is, you know, quality. And how do you know what you're really getting? And so can you tell us a little bit about, you know, finding trust trusted resources?
Terese Bowors: Yes. Yes. And it's, it's, it's an interesting situation in the U. S. right now because CBD is legal, federally. So you can access CBD probably at your corner store or at your gas station. Um, I'm going to tell you those are not good quality.
Julie Michelson: do that.
Terese Bowors: Don't do that.
Julie Michelson: Please don't do that.
Terese Bowors: You might have like 1 percent of CBD and a [Page//00:26:00] combination of other, other components that we don't even know about, so I certainly wouldn't go there.
Terese Bowors: Um, your, your stores or your dispensaries are, are, should be having good high quality products, but the best way to know is to ask for a Certificate of Analysis or a COA. So your COA goes through and tests for the cannabinoids, the percentage, um, pesticides, moulds, toxins within the plants, that you can use that as a reference.
Terese Bowors: If you, um, get a product and they will not give you the COA, then I would question that. Exactly.
Julie Michelson: wouldn't use anything that you, yeah, I wouldn't use a supplement. You know, I wouldn't get a supplement at the grocery store either. So, yeah, yeah.
Terese Bowors: There's it. Yeah. Another piece of that is that so here in Canada, we can go grow our own. We can grow for plants legally. You can grow in Colorado.
Julie Michelson: I honestly don't even know. I would imagine, but I don't know.
Terese Bowors: you can. Yeah, I don't know what the limit is. So this is [Page//00:27:00] my this is my other piece of that is that if you get homegrown cannabis from somebody who grows it with love with organic materials. that is going to be the most superior. Well, actually, if you grow it yourself, that is the most superior cannabis that you're ever going to have because you're going to imprint that plant to you and to your needs.
Terese Bowors: So I'm not going to ask my neighbor for a COA. I'm going to ask how they're growing practices. And, um, and, but certainly Non institutionalized cannabis is going to be the highest vibration and the highest, um, healing capabilities. And so I, yeah, that's, we want everybody to grow your own medicine.
Julie Michelson: Well, and I love that you say that because especially here in Colorado, I think as in this country of leading the pack, if you will, um, I mean, the con there's so much conversation around, you know, the different, different percentages of the different components and, and this is best for that. And that's best for this.
Julie Michelson: And here you're saying, actually, [Page//00:28:00] just grow a plant at home with love. And that's the best.
Terese Bowors: Yes,
Julie Michelson: Amazing. Amazing. So it doesn't have to get as complicated as, as they're, they're making it.
Terese Bowors: No, it doesn't. It doesn't. And because we want it accessible. We want to bring it back to, to not being confusing and going like, uh, and, and that worry and that stress about, well, what should I take and what should I grow? And all these things just. Just follow your heart. Let cannabis guide you and, um, plant that seed and watch it grow and nurture it and by far, yeah, you'll be.
Terese Bowors: You'll have a better connection with the plant.
Julie Michelson: Amazing. And I'm guessing that you are making your own tinctures and products with your own plants at
Terese Bowors: I certainly am. Yep, I make my own salves, oils, tinctures, um, RSO or Rick Simpson oil, or FICO, which is a thick, thick, it's like molasses, so it's, it's a concentrated cannabis, which is really high dosing [Page//00:29:00] that we utilize It's for cancer support and for chronic, extreme chronic pain and people that need those high, high doses.
Terese Bowors: Um, I make it in that form. I make bath bombs, bath salts, infused edibles into food, ,butter, sugar. Uh, I, I infuse it into everything, olive oil for salad dressings.
Julie Michelson: Be warned if you're going to Terese's house for dinner,
Terese Bowors: that's right, that's, there's a little disclaimer on the
Julie Michelson: always a good time. Love that.
Terese Bowors: yes.
Julie Michelson: That it's, it's fantastic. So I'm guessing, tell me a little bit about how you're working with people. I'm guessing it's kind of this helping them find their individual ideal path, but share a little bit about what that looks like,
Terese Bowors: Mm hmm. Yeah, so I work with people one on one in coaching, and then I'm working on developing group, groups as well, so that we can all learn from each other, because it's way more beneficial when somebody else hears, oh, I did this for pain, and I might not have [Page//00:30:00] thought to mention that, and we pick up and gain, glean things from everybody else.
Terese Bowors: So usually in my coaching, um, I'm, I'm really checking in to see. Why are you here? What do you want cannabis to do for you? And building that connection with the body to be listening, because I'm going to be taking cues from you as to how you want to move forward and how you want to utilize cannabis and then just supporting the process.
Terese Bowors: So if there's any wobbles and just some doubts and just not really sure, or it didn't. work right or he didn't feel right and just addressing all of those side effects or symptoms or experiences or thoughts that we have around this because it's a new way. It's a new way. We've been taught by doctors, here's your prescription, take this and we'll see you in two weeks.
Terese Bowors: Cannabis is not like that. It's a relationship that we're building and sometimes we needed a little extra support with that.
Julie Michelson: I like that. And, and you just brought me to where my brain was going. What about [Page//00:31:00] listeners that are on medications and they're being treated for things? Um, I, I would imagine it's important to talk to their doctor, but, but what do you tell people?
Terese Bowors: Talking to your doctor is a good idea and I'm going to forewarn you.
Julie Michelson: They're not all on board.
Terese Bowors: They're not really open to hearing about it and I've had a number of clients who have their, their doctor says if you bring that up again I won't talk to you, I will drop you as a patient and that's here in Canada where it's legal.
Julie Michelson: Wow.
Terese Bowors: feel that out, feel if that's safe for you to talk to your doctor and if it's not then your pharmacist is your best friend.
Terese Bowors: I am finding that pharmacists are, getting themselves educated. and are really good sources of support. And so if you, and they all, and they already know you and your prescriptions. So if you want to work with cannabis, go to your pharmacist first and ask them, are there any interactions that I should know about?
Terese Bowors: And make adjustments that way. Um, just for a tip, medications that have interactions with [Page//00:32:00] grapefruit. So if you're advised, do not take grapefruit, it has to do with enzyme breaking down in the liver. CBD is not, is contraindicated. If, with that prescription, so just be aware if you already know you're on something that is interacting with grapefruit, do not, um, do not go that way.
Terese Bowors: Um, or ask your pharmacist to help you transition off or on or whatever, whatever the situation is.
Julie Michelson: Awesome. Thank you. That's good. Good advice. And I would have never thought, which makes so much more sense, to talk to the pharmacist if you're on prescriptions because they're the ones who understand hopefully. And we're not not talking about, you know, the tech at the pharmacy. You're talking about the actual pharmacist who understands the chemical compounds and how they work in the body.
Julie Michelson: That's
Terese Bowors: yes,
Julie Michelson: fantastic advice. I like that. I like that a lot. And I know it is so frustrating, you know, that thought of not all doctors are open. And, and [Page//00:33:00] hopefully that's It's changing slowly, right? But um, you know, I, I, you can't, I don't hear people say, well, my doctor said, you know, if I have another drink of alcohol, he's not going to work with me or she's not going to like, right.
Terese Bowors: yes, I know,
Julie Michelson: So it's, but this is, this is a brand new area of wellness. It really is. I mean, it's not, but it is.
Terese Bowors: It's old, it's old, right? It's so old.
Julie Michelson: it's all of the new things that, that we find are at that actually support wellness are old and it's, but the conversations around it are new now.
Terese Bowors: that's right.
Julie Michelson: Yeah. Yeah. That's amazing. Wonderful. So I did warn you because some people just get stuck.
Julie Michelson: What is one step that listeners could take starting today if, if they want to improve their health? And it doesn't have to be kids. It's [Page//00:34:00] related. Anything, anything you want.
Terese Bowors: Yes, yes. I have two because I can't, I can't just land on one.
Julie Michelson: Yep. It's fair.
Terese Bowors: Okay, so the first one is noticing your intention and just really stopping right right as soon as you're like I want to try that. Okay, let's go back to Listening. So that's my tip two is listening. So number one is intention number two is listening So coming back to the body and asking what do I want cannabis to do and getting really really clear on that Cannabis responds really well to direction.
Terese Bowors: And it's like sending an anchor into the future so that cannabis can follow. So, in the past, we've wanted cannabis for fun and to use recreationally and to get high. And that was the intention, the unconscious intention. I'm going to take this and I'm going to have a blast. Cannabis will do that. But if we're like, I want cannabis to really help me sleep.
Terese Bowors: Set that intention, tell cannabis what you want it to do, and then listen, listen to your body, [Page//00:35:00] and how it responds to cannabis, and start really low on your dosing, just start low, start low. Mm
Julie Michelson: I like that. It is. It's a whole new world. And I know I learned a lot today. Um, and I live in Colorado. So I really appreciate the, just the education and the honest way that you are open to having conversations that can help people. So, so I appreciate that. Where's the best place for people that are listening on the go to, to come find you
Terese Bowors: hmm. On my website, it's terese.ca. So that's my name. T E R E S E dot C A. And right at the top, it says get started here or click here or start here. I think it says start here. Start there and you will get a guide with four tips to choose the right cannabis for you.
Julie Michelson: love that. Love it. Amazing. Terese. Thank you so much. As I said, you have shared amazing gold with us today.[Page//00:36:00]
Terese Bowors: Thank you for having me and I'm, yeah, it's my pleasure. I want to share this, share the gifts that have come to me, um, with, with everybody. So, thank you for the opportunity.
Julie Michelson: My pleasure as well. For everyone listening, remember you get the transcripts and show notes by visiting inspired living. show. Hope you enjoyed this episode as much as I did. I'll see you next week. [Page//00:37:00]
Julie Michelson: In today's conversation, Terese educates us about incorporating [Page//00:01:00] cannabis into wellness routines as a way to live a full and vibrant life.
Julie Michelson: Terese, welcome to the podcast.
Terese Bowors: Thank you so much for having me. This is awesome.
Julie Michelson: I'm excited for this conversation. I would love to start by just sharing a bit of your journey with us. Um, you know, because being a cannabis coach is, is definitely, obviously it's a new, newer field, um, but I know that your journey led you to where you are and so I'd love to hear your story.
Terese Bowors: So the story starts, um, about 14 years ago, 15 years ago, um, my daughter was nine years old.
Terese Bowors: And, uh, we were living in a beach town and took our breakfast or dinners to the beach every night and rode our bikes to get groceries. We had a beautiful, uh, a beautiful life and, um, something started to happen and her health started to decline and she was losing weight. [Page//00:02:00] She was losing motivation. She was losing energy.
Terese Bowors: And I just was like, does she have a yeast infection? Is she, is there something else going on mentally? Like, I was just kind of exploring what, what was happening. And it came to the point that we really needed to take her into the doctors. And they diagnosed her with type 1 diabetes. And, uh, that was a huge game changer.
Terese Bowors: We had already been living a really healthy lifestyle. I think even at that point, I was eating raw foods. Like we were just like getting into the earth and really getting to know our bodies and, um, and being in nature. And so this was a huge shock. And they said to me, um, well, type 1 diabetes is genetic.
Terese Bowors: So I went back and started to talk to my families and, uh, there's nobody else with type 1 diabetes. And so they said, well, um, then maybe there was a virus or something. And I searched back through, you know, the last few months and there was no illness. And it came down to, for me, um, [Page//00:03:00] environmental toxicity.
Terese Bowors: Even though we're living a clean lifestyle, the toxins, um, that are in our world are inescapable. So, um, and caring for her and changing our lifestyle to meet her needs. Um, I was caregiving 24 7. I was up at night, and I was losing sleep, and I was getting sick myself. Chronic fatigue syndrome was what the diagnosis came for me and I needed a solution, but I needed something that would still be able to keep me as a caregiver and look after myself.
Terese Bowors: And um, that's when I, I was just heard a calling by the cannabis plant and I always like to bring her so that you can see and just kind of see what the beauty of this plant. This is not a real one, so it doesn't have all the features, but this is the plant medicine in the flower. And I was really called to this plant and, um, which was quite unusual because my upbringing, I grew up in a religious organization that was very doctrinal.
Terese Bowors: We didn't have, um, we didn't go to [Page//00:04:00] movies. We didn't have playing cards. I wore long skirts and then my heads covered, heads covered. Women weren't, uh, just, they were different in the society than what we have here. And so cannabis or anything remotely like that was not ever in my awareness. And so I was a bit, and I left when I was 17, my family left that organization.
Terese Bowors: And, um, and so cannabis could come and knock on my door and say, Hey, um, I want you to try me. And so I did, I talked to my husband and I was like, I just, I really want to try cannabis. And he was on board, and one night we put the kids to bed, and um, he rolled a joint for me, and we went out into the garden, sat in the hammock, and uh, lit that joint together.
Terese Bowors: And I had my first puff. And it was just so, so eye opening. I felt the caregiving stress, and the pain, and the anxiety lift off my shoulders. And I looked up into the sky, and I could see the stars, and I was like, Why has this never been shared with me before? [Page//00:05:00] Why has this been criminalized and demonized to the nth degree?
Terese Bowors: And that's when I knew I needed to get to know this plant and incorporate it more into my life and figure out how its healing capabilities work. So I dived in, I started researching and studying, and started to consume the plant in a more conscious way, utilizing it throughout the day, and using the different cannabinoids like THC and CBD.
Terese Bowors: And I started to be more open about my consumption with my family. About that time, my son, who was um, 14, was diagnosed with Lyme disease. And it was extremely debilitating. So I was thinking, you know, as my daughter ages and gets older, my caregiving will start to decline, to step back. didn't happen.
Terese Bowors: I was full on with caregiving for him. His Lyme disease presented with symptoms of severe pain in his head. 10 out of 10 pain that would last up to 72 hours that would totally incapacitate him. And [Page//00:06:00] then 3 days, 4 days of fatigue after that to try and recover. And then the pain would come back. And we had this vicious cycle for, for years.
Terese Bowors: And when he was 16, he heard me, um, listening about cannabis on a podcast. And he said, Hey mom, would cannabis work for me? And I'm like, well, I don't know. You're a, you're a, you're under eight. What do we do with this? And so we found a pediatric, uh, uh, cannabis. Doctor who would prescribe it for him and started to work with it for him.
Terese Bowors: And it was phenomenal how it helped him to reduce his pain, um, and, uh, insomnia, um, bring back his appetite because he wasn't eating and just bring back more spark to life. So even though, um, I wouldn't say that cannabis cured him, but I would say it. It kept him, um, on this earth, because as a teenager with such debilitating pain, I've seen what happens to other families and I didn't want that outcome for me.
Julie Michelson: Yeah. Wow.
Terese Bowors: Yes. [Page//00:07:00] So that's where we are. And then from there, um, when legalization, I'm from Canada. So when legalization came, I wanted to, um, share my knowledge and I studied, uh, at the Cannabis Coaching Institute out of Boulder, Colorado and, uh, became a certified cannabis coach and educator. And then from there, I just, yeah, I just continued to dive into the science of cannabis, getting to know and revere this plant in a deeper way and building more intention and mindfulness into this healing capabilities.
Julie Michelson: And when was cannabis legalized in Canada?
Terese Bowors: October 2018. So we're five years in to
Julie Michelson: Okay. Okay. So ahead of, I did not realize that. That's great. I'm, I'm, I'm in Colorado. I'm not, not far from where you trained. Um, and. Yeah. And so it's, at least in the States, Colorado has always been a little bit ahead of the curve as far as medical use and, and just [Page//00:08:00] legalization.
Julie Michelson: So
Terese Bowors: Yeah. Yeah. That's all thanks to Charlotte, little Charlotte,
Julie Michelson: Yes. Yep.
Terese Bowors: Yeah. Amazing story. Amazing story.
Julie Michelson: So amazing. And, and how is, how are the kids now?
Terese Bowors: Yes. So they are 24 and 21. And, um, so my daughter at 24, uh, she manages her diabetes really well. She's never had knock on wood. I'm knocking on wood right now. She has never had a repeat hospital stay due to her diabetes, which is really unusual. Um, and so we're so grateful for that. Um, her, when you have one illness like that, it kind of opens the door for more to come.
Terese Bowors: So she does have three more, um, autoimmune conditions, which she is managing and just thriving though, like she embraces these as not defining who she is, but as a reason to continue on. And so I'm so, so proud of her, um, and her inspiration. My son at 21, um, this year, earlier this year, he had some huge healing to the point that he said in May, I want to [Page//00:09:00] move out and I never ever thought that that day would come when he would move out.
Terese Bowors: And so he did, he moved out this summer on his own, had a great time. And then both of them, um, had their leases coming up. And so in September they moved in together and in my hometown. So they're just down the road. And, um, so I get to see them lots and have family dinners and, uh, yeah, they're, they're thriving and living with these conditions, but I'm not allowing them to define who they are.
Terese Bowors: And I'm just, I'm so proud of them.
Julie Michelson: That's amazing. And that's healing for you
Terese Bowors: Absolutely.
Julie Michelson: well as well. And I know you have other conditions. You manage other health challenges that the cannabis is a part of your keeping high functioning still.
Terese Bowors: Yes. Absolutely. Yes. So I was diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome, multiple chemical sensitivity, Lyme disease, and most recently SIBO. So that's been my journey this year is with SIBO, which is small intestinal bacterial [Page//00:10:00] overgrowth. And, um, the, but healing is possible. So this year, especially I have been doing a lot of deeper healing and, and over the last 14 years, I've, I've done everything you can imagine.
Terese Bowors: And. I actually had huge healing this year because I stopped trying to thrive for the next best thing. I stopped kind of, well so and so did this, and so and so did this, and this is supposed to be the newest whatever. I've done that for the last 14 years. And this summer, I stopped. I just stopped. And I said, I'm just going to listen to what my body's calling me to do.
Julie Michelson: Which is key.
Terese Bowors: Yes.
Julie Michelson: Yeah. Love that. I love that. You have, there's so many directions I want to go in and I want to circle back, um, to, you know, using cannabis medicinally and, and, um, but I have to ask, I know that [Page//00:11:00] napping. Is the part of your wellness routine. Can you share a little bit with us about that?
Terese Bowors: Absolutely. Yes. So when napping came into my life, it was part of one of the first tools that I utilized with my Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. And at that time, I was napping two to three hours a day. So it was actually not really a nap. It was.
Julie Michelson: Sleep.
Terese Bowors: and that's what I needed. I needed that nourishment. And, um, so I, I really mindfully tried not to fight it, even though like looking back over the years and the kids will say, mom, do you remember this?
Terese Bowors: Or do you remember this? And I'm like, no, I wasn't there for that. And I missed out on a lot of family things because a lot of the activity happened in the afternoons. And, um. So I've been developing this relationship with napping because it's been my lifeblood and I need to be able to reconcile that this is for me, and it's not taking away from me.
Terese Bowors: So over the last few years, my napping has changed, um, it, it moved down to two hours, and [Page//00:12:00] then it moved down to an hour. And then it moved down to 40 minutes. And this year, it's 20 minutes. And my husband's like, oh, you're not completely healed because it's, you still have to nap. This was the message that I was
Julie Michelson: No,
Terese Bowors: And I'm like, wait, wait, wait, wait, no, no, look at where I've come from. And now, um, Napping is still a huge part of my life because it's 20 minutes. It's a break in the day to let my mind rest, to let my body rest, to breathe, to listen to a meditation or a podcast or whatever, just to check out for a bit.
Terese Bowors: And I feel this is one of the healthiest routines that I have. And I am so, so committed to it. And I encourage everybody, it doesn't have to be a nap. You don't might not need to sleep. I do. I need to fall asleep. But not everybody does, but everybody needs that refresher.
Julie Michelson: absolutely. And so even if you, I love that you said, you know, sometimes you're listening to a podcast, like it, it may not, it's allowing your body. [Page//00:13:00] Um, I have a client who was just struggled with sleep for years. She could not sleep at night and. One of the ways we help fix her nighttime sleep was creating that routine of the afternoon break.
Julie Michelson: And in the beginning, I mean, of course, as soon as she would sit down, she'd pass out and fall asleep because she was so sleep deprived, but it was she was just stuck in that cycle. And so it, whether it's for increased productivity. You know, reduced fatigue and, you know, better energy pain, all the things.
Julie Michelson: And yeah, even sometimes can help your nighttime sleep. I know people get afraid of, Oh my gosh, if I sleep during the day, I won't sleep at night and, and it just depends on what your body needs. And so I love that. I think an afternoon break is essential. It really is.
Terese Bowors: One of the other things, tricks that I did to make it enticing and to make this a luxurious event, like I don't want it. I don't want to be go to your nap [Page//00:14:00] and it be a punishment. I wanted it to be inviting. And this this opportunity wouldn't would draw me in. And so I got a hammock and it's a lace like a woven white lace hammock.
Terese Bowors: It's beautiful. And I put it in my bedroom.
Julie Michelson: Love that.
Terese Bowors: And then I laid, I lay a sheepskin on the inside and I have a pillow for my head and a pillow for my knees and a cozy blanket. And my noise cancelling headphones on so it doesn't matter what's going on in the house. I can still have my nap. And so it's creating that whole environment for, for just for your heart to just go, Oh, it's so warm and cozy.
Julie Michelson: That's amazing. It's a beautiful ritual, right? Really. So I love that. So I'll shift back now because I know that the, the, one of the main purposes for our conversation was to share this information that you have about how people can use cannabis. Um, as I like what you said, you know, you're not saying it healed you.
Julie Michelson: You're saying it [Page//00:15:00] allows you to live your life to the fullest, which is huge. You're welcome. I appreciate this. The goal, no matter what, right? That's what we want. That's what I want for my clients. That's what I want for my family is that we can really, you know, any of us who have had that kind of chronic decline, no, no life getting shorter and smaller, you know, just that everything shrinks down around you.
Julie Michelson: Um, and so as a tool. To help expand out, you know, teach us a little bit about, um, because I, I know that we've got listeners that have never tried and have just, all they have are the stories you've heard about when it's been illegal. And, um, so just share with us a little bit for some people that are totally uneducated.
Terese Bowors: Absolutely. Okay. So I have some cue cards so that it's a little bit easier to understand. So I hope that's the right way. Can you read that?
Julie Michelson: That's great. It's [Page//00:16:00] great, but then we'll read them out loud because for people listening on the go.
Terese Bowors: Absolutely. Okay. So sure. Yes. So we'll do. So I want to talk about the endocannabinoid system. And so you may have been like me like endo what? Um, so this is a system within our body. We've referred to it as the ECS. So it's the endocannabinoid system or the ECS. The endocannabinoid system was discovered in the, in the late 80s, early 90s as a system within our body that, um, wants to bring homeostasis and balance to the other systems within the body.
Terese Bowors: So it's like this master regulator that we haven't known about. We know about the respiratory system and the skeletal system and the cardiovascular system, but this is like the master system. And if we don't address this system first, before we look at all the other systems, we're not going to be as effective in our healing.
Terese Bowors: And so we want one of the, one of the things that cannabis coaches are so passionate about is sharing this knowledge that you have this hidden [Page//00:17:00] system within your body, and guess what? Cannabis interacts with it. But we also, we don't have to have cannabis to activate it and to bring health and wellness into it.
Terese Bowors: We can do other things as well. One of the ways that the endocannabinoid system works is through cannabinoids that we make in our body called endocannabinoids. So you may have heard of the term cannabinoids. That's what we use to refer to things like, um, THC and CBD. And those are, those are found within plants, but within our body, it's called an endocannabinoid.
Terese Bowors: And we have two main cannabinoids within our body. One is called anandamide, and the other one is called 2 AG. And if I want to focus on anandamide a little bit, because of the amazingness of this cannabinoid within our bodies, the, the word, uh, uh, anandamide in Sanskrit means bliss. We are supposed to be blissful.
Terese Bowors: We are created with [Page//00:18:00] bliss, regenerating organisms within our beings. And through illness and through our environment and through other factors, we're deficient. We're noticing deficiencies within our bodies. So, If our first response is, I am never blissful, I never find bliss, there's nothing at ease within my body or in within my life, then let's look at anandamide.
Terese Bowors: And if we're deficient in creating it within our own endocannabinoid system, we can look to cannabis because cannabis fits into the endocannabinoid system. It's amazing. How can a plant work with us to be able to create the bliss and homeostasis that we need? So that's what we call the, the, um, cannabinoids found in cannabis are called phytocannabinoids because they are found in the plant.
Terese Bowors: And there's lots of cannabinoids. The two main ones that we always talk about, you probably hear about, are THC and CBD, but there's lots, lots more. But we focus on THC and CBD when we're beginning with cannabis just [Page//00:19:00] so that we can really get a handle on how these cannabinoids work within our bodies. THC and CBD both do different things.
Terese Bowors: And I've noticed that we've started to demonize THC. So now with the research coming out about CBD, it's like, Oh, CBD is the best. It doesn't make you high. It's so good. And THC, that's the bad one because that makes you high. But I want to just explain how they work together. So if you think about, so as THC comes and CBD come into the body, they bind into the receptors within the endocannabinoid system.
Terese Bowors: THC does amazing work with pain reduction, with anti inflammatory properties, with helping with sleep. CBD does amazing with anti inflammatory, with anxiety. With balancing the body with mood, and so they each have their their benefits separately and then together as well when we combine [Page//00:20:00] them, we get this called what's called a entourage effect.
Terese Bowors: And so when we look at the whole plant and we bring in every part of the plant, it works together synergistically, and it helps the CBD helps the THC work better and the THC helps the CBD work better. We don't have to get high, though, and that's the piece that we kind of get caught up on is, oh, I don't want to get high.
Terese Bowors: Yeah, I hear you. I hear you. And you don't have to. By using therapeutic levels of THC and keeping that dose low, you don't have to experience a high. And also when you pair it with CBD, because CBD can help to reduce the effects of THC by causing that intoxicating effect. So at any time, if you are trying cannabis and you want to work with it, always have CBD in your first aid cupboard.
Terese Bowors: Because when we're working with THC, it's inevitable you might experience an unintended high. And it's okay. It's not harmful. It doesn't bind into, THC doesn't bind into any life saving, like our amygdala, where our life saving devices are. It doesn't bind [Page//00:21:00] into that. So it will not result in overdose and death, ever, with cannabis.
Terese Bowors: So that, we can take that right off the table. You will not ever overdose with too much THC. But if you get too much and you feel uncomfortable, take some CBD and that will help to calm that and soothe that response out. And breathe. Um, because your, your body's just having an overreaction, an overabundance of cannabinoids within your system.
Terese Bowors: That's all.
Julie Michelson: Got it. And so it's interesting you say you, you can't OD. Um, are there people that shouldn't take THC or use cannabis?
Terese Bowors: If you have a history of, um, schizophrenia, uh, then it's really good idea to be monitored closely and really watch what, how you're utilizing cannabis. I would stay more to the CBD side and just be really, really aware, um, because it can activate that response. So certainly for people in that demographic, just be really, really aware, uh, keep your doses really low and [Page//00:22:00] really pay attention and listen.
Julie Michelson: Okay. And, and I had heard, um, ages ago, so this could be myth that some people genetically, um, just don't handle THC well or cannabis well. Is that a myth?
Terese Bowors: That is true. That's true. It's actually new. The research is coming out now and we have, we have tools now, genetic testing for cannabinoids to see how your body responds. Cannabinoids and terpenes, I believe, that they, they They test both. So the terpenes are like the sense of the plant, which have their own medicinal benefits as well.
Terese Bowors: So yes, you could be a non responder. Um, and often you don't have to go through and do the genetic testing. You can just simply try it, try it in low doses and see how you respond. Um, but we need to also be aware that It's finding your perfect dose is different than being a non responder. So when we start working with cannabis, uh, it's not the same dose for everybody, and it's not the same method of intake for everybody that's [Page//00:23:00] going to be effective.
Terese Bowors: So if you try, let's say you try cannabis, um, with smoking a joint and you're like, Oh, it was okay, but it didn't really do what I wanted it to do. Maybe you need to move to something like an oil or a tincture. Um, maybe you need an edible, maybe you need something in the form of a salve, something that you can rub onto your skin.
Terese Bowors: So there's different methods of intake. So before you jump to the conclusion that, Oh, it's my genes. I just can't do it. Um, there's an exploratory process. Uh, and that's why working with a coach is really helpful to be able to guide you through because sometimes we give up too soon. We
Julie Michelson: I have to add my, and I'm not a cannabis coach and um, , but as a health coach there are a lot of good options for using cannabis and THC and CBD and all, all the parts. And, and I love that there is always, 'cause nature's brilliant. There's a synergy when you're using the whole plant. Um. But I, I just have to add my [Page//00:24:00] disclaimer of I don't recommend smoking because I don't recommend smoking, and that's not the only that's just so not the only option anymore.
Julie Michelson: So
Terese Bowors: Let me show you the difference. So I, I have these for demonstration. I rarely would use, utilize cannabis in this form. Instead, I use it. So instead of talking about smoking, when I'm referring clients to taking it in this way, that that's called inhalation. So the method of taking it in through a vapor is called inhalation, but we prefer to use it through a vaporizer.
Terese Bowors: So something that you use the raw herb. So this is this ground up flower, raw herb. It's not a concentrate. It's not your vape. Pen, not vape pen. This is a dry herb vaporizer, and so it vaporizes the plant at whatever temperature you set. And um, it's kind of like when you're working with an inhalers, like a bronchial dilator or asthma, you're puffing it in because it absorbs through the lungs.
Terese Bowors: So this is the same concept of getting it in through the lungs [Page//00:25:00] without overheating and fire and smoke.
Julie Michelson: thank you. I didn't know you had props ready, but I just wanted to bring that up.
Terese Bowors: Absolutely. It's so good because this is all we know, right? Like, we're like, oh, I have to smoke a joint. Well, no. Yes, the belief is we have to smoke a joint and we have to get high.
Julie Michelson: Right, right. So how one of my, uh, commonly heard concern, um, is, you know, quality. And how do you know what you're really getting? And so can you tell us a little bit about, you know, finding trust trusted resources?
Terese Bowors: Yes. Yes. And it's, it's, it's an interesting situation in the U. S. right now because CBD is legal, federally. So you can access CBD probably at your corner store or at your gas station. Um, I'm going to tell you those are not good quality.
Julie Michelson: do that.
Terese Bowors: Don't do that.
Julie Michelson: Please don't do that.
Terese Bowors: You might have like 1 percent of CBD and a [Page//00:26:00] combination of other, other components that we don't even know about, so I certainly wouldn't go there.
Terese Bowors: Um, your, your stores or your dispensaries are, are, should be having good high quality products, but the best way to know is to ask for a Certificate of Analysis or a COA. So your COA goes through and tests for the cannabinoids, the percentage, um, pesticides, moulds, toxins within the plants, that you can use that as a reference.
Terese Bowors: If you, um, get a product and they will not give you the COA, then I would question that. Exactly.
Julie Michelson: wouldn't use anything that you, yeah, I wouldn't use a supplement. You know, I wouldn't get a supplement at the grocery store either. So, yeah, yeah.
Terese Bowors: There's it. Yeah. Another piece of that is that so here in Canada, we can go grow our own. We can grow for plants legally. You can grow in Colorado.
Julie Michelson: I honestly don't even know. I would imagine, but I don't know.
Terese Bowors: you can. Yeah, I don't know what the limit is. So this is [Page//00:27:00] my this is my other piece of that is that if you get homegrown cannabis from somebody who grows it with love with organic materials. that is going to be the most superior. Well, actually, if you grow it yourself, that is the most superior cannabis that you're ever going to have because you're going to imprint that plant to you and to your needs.
Terese Bowors: So I'm not going to ask my neighbor for a COA. I'm going to ask how they're growing practices. And, um, and, but certainly Non institutionalized cannabis is going to be the highest vibration and the highest, um, healing capabilities. And so I, yeah, that's, we want everybody to grow your own medicine.
Julie Michelson: Well, and I love that you say that because especially here in Colorado, I think as in this country of leading the pack, if you will, um, I mean, the con there's so much conversation around, you know, the different, different percentages of the different components and, and this is best for that. And that's best for this.
Julie Michelson: And here you're saying, actually, [Page//00:28:00] just grow a plant at home with love. And that's the best.
Terese Bowors: Yes,
Julie Michelson: Amazing. Amazing. So it doesn't have to get as complicated as, as they're, they're making it.
Terese Bowors: No, it doesn't. It doesn't. And because we want it accessible. We want to bring it back to, to not being confusing and going like, uh, and, and that worry and that stress about, well, what should I take and what should I grow? And all these things just. Just follow your heart. Let cannabis guide you and, um, plant that seed and watch it grow and nurture it and by far, yeah, you'll be.
Terese Bowors: You'll have a better connection with the plant.
Julie Michelson: Amazing. And I'm guessing that you are making your own tinctures and products with your own plants at
Terese Bowors: I certainly am. Yep, I make my own salves, oils, tinctures, um, RSO or Rick Simpson oil, or FICO, which is a thick, thick, it's like molasses, so it's, it's a concentrated cannabis, which is really high dosing [Page//00:29:00] that we utilize It's for cancer support and for chronic, extreme chronic pain and people that need those high, high doses.
Terese Bowors: Um, I make it in that form. I make bath bombs, bath salts, infused edibles into food, ,butter, sugar. Uh, I, I infuse it into everything, olive oil for salad dressings.
Julie Michelson: Be warned if you're going to Terese's house for dinner,
Terese Bowors: that's right, that's, there's a little disclaimer on the
Julie Michelson: always a good time. Love that.
Terese Bowors: yes.
Julie Michelson: That it's, it's fantastic. So I'm guessing, tell me a little bit about how you're working with people. I'm guessing it's kind of this helping them find their individual ideal path, but share a little bit about what that looks like,
Terese Bowors: Mm hmm. Yeah, so I work with people one on one in coaching, and then I'm working on developing group, groups as well, so that we can all learn from each other, because it's way more beneficial when somebody else hears, oh, I did this for pain, and I might not have [Page//00:30:00] thought to mention that, and we pick up and gain, glean things from everybody else.
Terese Bowors: So usually in my coaching, um, I'm, I'm really checking in to see. Why are you here? What do you want cannabis to do for you? And building that connection with the body to be listening, because I'm going to be taking cues from you as to how you want to move forward and how you want to utilize cannabis and then just supporting the process.
Terese Bowors: So if there's any wobbles and just some doubts and just not really sure, or it didn't. work right or he didn't feel right and just addressing all of those side effects or symptoms or experiences or thoughts that we have around this because it's a new way. It's a new way. We've been taught by doctors, here's your prescription, take this and we'll see you in two weeks.
Terese Bowors: Cannabis is not like that. It's a relationship that we're building and sometimes we needed a little extra support with that.
Julie Michelson: I like that. And, and you just brought me to where my brain was going. What about [Page//00:31:00] listeners that are on medications and they're being treated for things? Um, I, I would imagine it's important to talk to their doctor, but, but what do you tell people?
Terese Bowors: Talking to your doctor is a good idea and I'm going to forewarn you.
Julie Michelson: They're not all on board.
Terese Bowors: They're not really open to hearing about it and I've had a number of clients who have their, their doctor says if you bring that up again I won't talk to you, I will drop you as a patient and that's here in Canada where it's legal.
Julie Michelson: Wow.
Terese Bowors: feel that out, feel if that's safe for you to talk to your doctor and if it's not then your pharmacist is your best friend.
Terese Bowors: I am finding that pharmacists are, getting themselves educated. and are really good sources of support. And so if you, and they all, and they already know you and your prescriptions. So if you want to work with cannabis, go to your pharmacist first and ask them, are there any interactions that I should know about?
Terese Bowors: And make adjustments that way. Um, just for a tip, medications that have interactions with [Page//00:32:00] grapefruit. So if you're advised, do not take grapefruit, it has to do with enzyme breaking down in the liver. CBD is not, is contraindicated. If, with that prescription, so just be aware if you already know you're on something that is interacting with grapefruit, do not, um, do not go that way.
Terese Bowors: Um, or ask your pharmacist to help you transition off or on or whatever, whatever the situation is.
Julie Michelson: Awesome. Thank you. That's good. Good advice. And I would have never thought, which makes so much more sense, to talk to the pharmacist if you're on prescriptions because they're the ones who understand hopefully. And we're not not talking about, you know, the tech at the pharmacy. You're talking about the actual pharmacist who understands the chemical compounds and how they work in the body.
Julie Michelson: That's
Terese Bowors: yes,
Julie Michelson: fantastic advice. I like that. I like that a lot. And I know it is so frustrating, you know, that thought of not all doctors are open. And, and [Page//00:33:00] hopefully that's It's changing slowly, right? But um, you know, I, I, you can't, I don't hear people say, well, my doctor said, you know, if I have another drink of alcohol, he's not going to work with me or she's not going to like, right.
Terese Bowors: yes, I know,
Julie Michelson: So it's, but this is, this is a brand new area of wellness. It really is. I mean, it's not, but it is.
Terese Bowors: It's old, it's old, right? It's so old.
Julie Michelson: it's all of the new things that, that we find are at that actually support wellness are old and it's, but the conversations around it are new now.
Terese Bowors: that's right.
Julie Michelson: Yeah. Yeah. That's amazing. Wonderful. So I did warn you because some people just get stuck.
Julie Michelson: What is one step that listeners could take starting today if, if they want to improve their health? And it doesn't have to be kids. It's [Page//00:34:00] related. Anything, anything you want.
Terese Bowors: Yes, yes. I have two because I can't, I can't just land on one.
Julie Michelson: Yep. It's fair.
Terese Bowors: Okay, so the first one is noticing your intention and just really stopping right right as soon as you're like I want to try that. Okay, let's go back to Listening. So that's my tip two is listening. So number one is intention number two is listening So coming back to the body and asking what do I want cannabis to do and getting really really clear on that Cannabis responds really well to direction.
Terese Bowors: And it's like sending an anchor into the future so that cannabis can follow. So, in the past, we've wanted cannabis for fun and to use recreationally and to get high. And that was the intention, the unconscious intention. I'm going to take this and I'm going to have a blast. Cannabis will do that. But if we're like, I want cannabis to really help me sleep.
Terese Bowors: Set that intention, tell cannabis what you want it to do, and then listen, listen to your body, [Page//00:35:00] and how it responds to cannabis, and start really low on your dosing, just start low, start low. Mm
Julie Michelson: I like that. It is. It's a whole new world. And I know I learned a lot today. Um, and I live in Colorado. So I really appreciate the, just the education and the honest way that you are open to having conversations that can help people. So, so I appreciate that. Where's the best place for people that are listening on the go to, to come find you
Terese Bowors: hmm. On my website, it's terese.ca. So that's my name. T E R E S E dot C A. And right at the top, it says get started here or click here or start here. I think it says start here. Start there and you will get a guide with four tips to choose the right cannabis for you.
Julie Michelson: love that. Love it. Amazing. Terese. Thank you so much. As I said, you have shared amazing gold with us today.[Page//00:36:00]
Terese Bowors: Thank you for having me and I'm, yeah, it's my pleasure. I want to share this, share the gifts that have come to me, um, with, with everybody. So, thank you for the opportunity.
Julie Michelson: My pleasure as well. For everyone listening, remember you get the transcripts and show notes by visiting inspired living. show. Hope you enjoyed this episode as much as I did. I'll see you next week. [Page//00:37:00]
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Terese Bowors
Terese Bowors, an unyielding Chronic Illness Thriver, has journeyed on a 14-year wellness odyssey alongside her husband and two adult children. Navigating through hardships, she harnesses the power of plant medicine, gardening, and meditation to sculpt her holistic self-care rituals. As a Certified Medical Cannabis Coach, Educator, and captivating Public Speaker, Terese embodies resilience in her relentless pursuit of wellness.
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