Scarlet Letter or Symbol of Sovereignty

Dear Green Nurse,

I have a question. When a person has the opportunity to use cannabis as a medicine, how can the individual make the distinction between using the herb as a medicine and being referred to as a pot smoking hippie? In spite of legalization efforts, people who use the herb medicinally are frowned upon as a drug addict not a patient. Does using herb medicinally give the individual an automatic scarlet letter because they’re they use an herb and not pharmaceuticals like everyone else? I woke up this morning and realized I’m not like everyone else other than being a human being.

Sincerely,
Your Facebook Friend

Dear FB Friend,

What a powerful and thought-provoking reflection—thank you for bringing such an honest, layered question forward. This goes far beyond just a conversation about cannabis; it touches on deeper themes of identity, societal stigma, and the courage it takes to walk a healing path that diverges from the mainstream. It’s about challenging conventional norms, embracing alternative approaches, and finding what truly resonates with your unique journey toward wellness.

Here’s the truth: using cannabis as medicine doesn’t make someone a “pot smoking hippie” or a drug addict—it makes them someone choosing a different therapeutic modality, often after carefully considering both conventional and alternative options. Many individuals turn to medical cannabis after exhausting traditional treatments that didn’t work for them or caused intolerable side effects. For others, it’s a way to manage chronic pain, anxiety, or a variety of other conditions in a way that feels more natural or effective. But how society interprets that choice—well, that’s where things get more complicated. Deep-rooted stigmas, years of misinformation, and cultural biases can shape how people view cannabis users, making it harder to have open and honest conversations about its benefits and role in modern medicine.

Why the Stigma Exists – Cannabis has carried a legacy of prohibition, propaganda, and racism for nearly a century. Despite its medicinal use for thousands of years across cultures—treating ailments, easing pain, and promoting well-being—it was demonized in the 20th century as part of a deliberate social and political agenda. Campaigns fueled by misinformation and bias painted cannabis as a dangerous drug, linking it to criminality and targeting marginalized communities. While laws have changed in various states and medicinal cannabis has gained more acceptance, the stigma surrounding its use hasn’t disappeared.

When someone says they’re using cannabis to manage chronic pain, anxiety, PTSD, seizures, or to complement cancer treatments, they often still face judgment. They may encounter outdated stereotypes like the “lazy stoner,” “addict,” or “noncompliant patient,” which continue to color perceptions even in modern discourse. These misconceptions can be isolating, reinforcing outdated attitudes that overlook the legitimate and life-changing benefits cannabis can provide for many patients.

That “scarlet letter” feeling you mentioned? It’s real. Many cannabis patients carry it quietly, especially those in professional fields, conservative communities, or medical spaces where pharmaceutical solutions dominate. They may keep their treatment private, fearing judgment or misunderstanding from peers, employers, or even healthcare providers. Yet, for many, cannabis is not just a choice but a lifeline, offering relief when traditional options have failed or caused intolerable side effects. The journey of these patients is one of resilience, navigating a world that is still catching up to their truth.

How to Make the Distinction (Personally & Publicly) – To shift this, both self-perception and public education are key:

• Language is powerful. Use terms like “cannabis medicine,” “plant-based therapy,” or “phytotherapy” to frame it in a scientific and credible light, moving beyond recreational stereotypes. Personally, I often explain that I use cannabinoids as a tool to support my healing, particularly when conventional pharmaceutical options fall short.
• Own your intention. If you’re using it to heal, balance, or improve quality of life—that’s medicinal. Period. Intention is the dividing line between recreation and medicine.
• Know your why. Be able to speak clearly (if needed) about your condition, what other treatments you’ve tried, and how cannabis supports your wellness goals. When people hear the thought process, the narrative often shifts.
• Be ready for ignorance, but don’t carry it. Judgment from others often says more about their discomfort than your choices. You’re not required to carry their bias.
• Surround yourself with community. The more patients, practitioners, and advocates you connect with, the more you normalize cannabis as medicine in your world. That circle creates ripples.

The Deeper Truth – You said, “I woke up this morning and realized I’m not like everyone else other than being a human being.” That’s beautiful. Radical, even. It’s a rare and powerful thing to recognize that individuality isn’t something to hide but something to embrace. Because the world needs people who step out of the box, who aren’t afraid to challenge expectations, and who live in alignment with their truth—even when it’s inconvenient, uncomfortable, or misunderstood. It’s through that courage to be authentically yourself that you inspire others to do the same, creating a ripple effect of honesty, creativity, and change.

You’re not like everyone else—and maybe that’s the medicine, too.

So is it a scarlet letter? For some, yes. But for those who understand, it’s a badge of courage. You’re challenging a system and offering a new paradigm: one where healing is personal, nature is respected, and sovereignty over one’s own body is reclaimed.

When I first started using cannabis as medicine, I encountered overwhelming stigma. The judgment I faced was so severe that even my own mother temporarily blocked me on Facebook. This experience forced me to do some deep soul-searching. Cannabis had allowed me to come off multiple pharmaceutical medications and was actually addressing core medical issues I never thought I could heal from.

In 2018, the National Council of State Boards of Nursing published a groundbreaking 64-page document in the Journal of Nursing Regulation, emphasizing that all nurses should possess six essential areas of knowledge about cannabis as medicine. This affirmed my journey and motivated me to speak out. I realized it was time to share my story, even if it meant stepping outside my comfort zone. The choices I made were healing me, helping me manage multiple conditions, alleviating symptoms, and improving my overall well-being and quality of life where I had none.

That’s when I decided to launch The Green Nurse Podcast on YouTube. It became my platform to educate, advocate, and share my experience with others, breaking through the stigma surrounding cannabis as medicine.

So maybe cannabis is a kind of badge. But instead of a scarlet letter, what if it’s a symbol of sovereignty? Of listening to your body, following your intuition, and trusting the ancient medicine of the Earth over the noise of a pharmaceutical-driven world?

Maybe it means you’re a pioneer. A healer. A rebel with a sacred cause.

You’re not like everyone else—and that’s not a flaw. That’s your calling. That is my calling. Thank you for writing and remember it is all about “Living Your Best Life & Help Others Do The Same!”

With Love,
Your Favorite Green Nurse

Holistic Caring & The Green Nurse – Cannabis education, coaching, consulting and a free network for learning.

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