If you’re new to the world of cannabis, you’ve probably found yourself asking the question, “How does it work?” It’s a valid question, and one that Elise Keller, a breast cancer survivor, explores in her 2019 TED Talk titled “The Surprising Connection Between Cannabis and Mind-Body Health.”
At the age of 33, Keller was diagnosed with breast cancer. As a self-proclaimed healthy person, she was frustrated by her diagnosis and sought out ways to come to terms with her illness and move forward. At the recommendation of her nurse and other patients, she turned to medical cannabis for relief. To her surprise, it helped immensely with her pain, nausea, and anxiety.
But what really intrigued Keller was the fact that she met patients with a variety of illnesses who were all using cannabis for treatment. How was it possible that one plant could help with so many unrelated conditions?
“In a nutshell, I learned that the reason cannabis was working for so many different conditions is because it interacts directly with our body’s own endocannabinoid system,” Keller explained in her presentation. “This system is responsible for maintaining balance in the body.”
She went on to explain that when the endocannabinoid system is out of balance, cannabis can help activate, tone, and support it. This is why the plant is effective for such a wide range of conditions.
Despite the increasing legalization of cannabis, many people are still unfamiliar with the endocannabinoid system. It has even been dubbed the body’s own “master system” due to its role in maintaining balance over all bodily networks.
In her 15-minute TED Talk, Keller breaks down how the endocannabinoid system works in a way that is easy to understand. She emphasizes the importance of mind, body, and medicine in keeping this system strong and healthy. By understanding how cannabis interacts with the endocannabinoid system, individuals can further support their journey towards achieving truly integrated whole-person health.
So, if you’re curious about the connection between cannabis and mind-body health, take a few minutes to watch Elise Keller’s TED Talk. You may just discover some surprising insights about this powerful plant.