Collected works and current thoughts
Note: This blog post was co-created with Perplexity AI.
Introduction
In June 2018, Oklahoma voters passed a ballot initiative to legalize medical marijuana. Coincidentally, I was in California the day the law passed, and, to mark the occasion, I picked up some THC-infused chocolate-covered espresso beans. This small moment would spark a significant transformation in my health journey.
Cannabis and My First Great Night’s Sleep in Decades
Having struggled with insomnia for over 20 years, despite trying prescription medications, melatonin, Benadryl, and even pure CBD, I was more curious than hopeful. At age 51, I had spent much of my life avoiding marijuana, but I decided to try 5 mg of THC at 8 PM one Tuesday. I went to sleep at 10 PM, flat on my back, and woke up—on my back—nine hours later, stunned. I hadn’t slept that well in decades.
Repeated journaling over the next 4 years confirmed the effect: when I stopped using THC, my sleep quality dropped significantly after a few days, becoming terrible within a week. Once I resumed, my restful sleep returned within days.
Dosing, Moderation, and Finding Balance
I realized a little goes a long way: even 10 mg was effective, and more wasn’t better; sometimes just habitual. Wanting to avoid dependence, I switched to self-made tinctures using a low-THC, high-CBD (4:1 ratio) strain. My regimen: 7–10 mg of THC, 2–3 mg of CBD each night, often with a bit more CBD. The result? Excellent sleep, with only mild drowsiness two hours post-dose and no discernible perceptual changes.
Surprising Revelation: Cannabis and Insulin Sensitivity
As I tracked my health, I noticed something unexpected: long-term, moderate THC use apparently improved my insulin resistance and fasting blood glucose. Initially, my blood sugar spiked (up about 20 points to ~120), but after about ten days, it dropped back to 103. It’s not where I want it, but it’s manageable with healthy dietary habits, less processed foods, more healthy fats (grass-fed butter, coconut oil, olive oil), protein, and limited simple carbs.
While I don’t plan to return to a ketogenic diet, I focus on unprocessed fats and avoid seed oils (even though rancid oils may not increase inflammation, they burden the body with unnecessary cleanup).
Health, Habits, and Hope
This journey reminded me that, with patience and persistence, the body can adapt. Over ten days I reset my blood sugar, and over years I reversed long-standing insulin resistance. Sleep, nutrition, moderate cannabis use, consistent movement, and psychological self-care contributed to this transformation. I am living proof that even seemingly intractable health problems can change with a holistic approach.
