How a Cannabis User and Addiction Counselor Make Marriage Work

In this episode, guest Jennifer Woods shares her personal journey of finding meaningful pain relief with cannabis while maintaining a healthy marriage to a husband who works as a professional drug and alcohol counselor. Jennifer opens up about years of chronic pain, bouts of depression, and her decision to explore alternatives to opioid pain medications. Her experience with cannabis improved her symptoms, supported her mental health, and even unlocked a new creative outlet.

Features

• Release Date: Monday, August 28, 2023
• Episode Number: Season 1, Episode 44
• Special Guest: Jennifer Woods

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Why You Will Love This Episode

This episode features a candid conversation with Jennifer Woods about how she manages chronic pain with cannabis while navigating a marriage in which her husband works as a certified drug and alcohol counselor. Her story is honest, relatable, and full of practical insights for anyone considering plant medicine as part of a pain or mood-management plan.

Jennifer endured years of back pain initially dismissed as muscle tightness. After persistent symptoms she sought imaging and learned she had arthritis and multiple herniated discs. The structural issues, combined with past injuries and nerve damage, left her in frequent pain and contributed to depressive episodes.

Concerned about the risks of prescription opioids—especially after witnessing her brother’s destructive pill addiction—Jennifer resolved to pursue alternatives. With the encouragement of her daughter and support from a family member, she returned to cannabis as an adult. That decision provided notable symptom relief and, unexpectedly, sparked a strong creative urge and a new passion for painting.

Throughout the episode, Jennifer speaks as a patient, a mother, and a wife. She reflects on stigma, the practicalities of finding the right strains and dosing, and the importance of communication and compromise in relationships where one partner’s job shapes a different perspective on substances. Her experience underscores how personalized approaches—learning what strains and terpene profiles work best for an individual—can improve daily functioning and quality of life.

Full Transcript

Jennifer: I’m not saying the herniated discs or the arthritis vanished, but overall I feel so much better. My painful episodes have decreased and I have more good days than before.

Announcer: Welcome to the Well With Cannabis Podcast, where we share life-changing stories from people who live well with cannabis and teach listeners how to explore this plant thoughtfully and safely. Meet your host, Emily Kyle, a registered dietitian nutritionist and certified holistic cannabis practitioner. Emily changed her life with the help of cannabis and now supports others on their journeys.

Tune in weekly for real-life stories that offer guidance and inspiration for both new and experienced cannabis consumers, focusing on improving health, emotional wellness, and overall quality of life.

Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for adult audiences. Episodes may cover topics such as mental health, suicide, abuse, sex, drugs, alcohol, psychedelics, and the therapeutic use of plant medicine. Explicit language may occasionally be used. The information shared is for educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. If the content raises concerns for you, please reach out to a trusted professional or support person.

Emily: Today I’m joined by Jennifer Woods. We discuss pain, arthritis, depression, and the ways cannabis transformed her daily life. Jennifer, thanks so much for joining us.

Jennifer: Thank you. I appreciate the chance to talk about my experience.

Jennifer: I’ve suffered depression and chronic back pain for about 15 years. Years of physical work took a toll, and imaging showed arthritis and herniated discs. I also have injury-related pain from broken bones and some nerve damage.

Jennifer: I refused to rely on opioid pills, partly because of my brother’s addiction. Seeing what he went through made me wary of that path. I returned to cannabis as an alternative for pain and mood support.

Jennifer: Coming back to cannabis as a parent and grandparent was daunting, especially since my husband is a certified drug counselor and initially resisted the idea. Over time, with conversation and patience, he has become more understanding and supportive of how cannabis helps me.

Emily: How did your first experience returning to cannabis go?

Jennifer: My daughter took me to the dispensary and stayed with me the first time. I was nervous and got more anxious and higher than I expected, but she helped me through it. Once the anxiety eased, I experienced real pain relief, and I even danced around the living room like a younger version of myself. I discovered that cannabis not only reduced pain but also made simple pleasures feel richer.

Jennifer: I also found creative expression. At nearly fifty, I discovered I enjoy painting and that certain strains enhance focus and appreciation for detail. Painting became therapeutic and a joyful part of my life.

Emily: What would your life look like without cannabis?

Jennifer: Without it, I think my depression and pain would be worse. Cannabis didn’t cure structural problems, but it made daily life bearable and improved my mood, energy, and relationships.

Jennifer: My advice to others: if you’re curious, approach cannabis thoughtfully, learn your tolerance, and find strains that work for you. If you get too high or scared, breathe, accept it, and ride the feeling—most experiences pass, and some people find real relief. And remember, cannabis isn’t right for everyone, but for those it helps, it can be life-changing.

Emily: Thank you, Jennifer, for sharing your story so honestly. Your experience highlights communication, patience, and exploration as keys to finding what works.

Announcer: You’ve finished another episode of the Well With Cannabis Podcast. We hope this conversation offered useful perspectives and encouragement. Visit the podcast’s notes and resources through your usual podcast provider to find episode details, guest information, and related resources.