By Kristine Fredheim

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For as long as I can remember, I’ve had trouble relaxing. It wasn't before my early 30s that I was diagnosed with Complex PTSD following several traumatic events throughout my life. When I started to process my unresolved emotional pain, I gradually learned to understand my body. 

Basically, when you have PTSD, you're hyper alert because you've adapted to trauma (fight or flight mode is activated); so even just breathing regularly can be nearly impossible. I consulted with a doctor, who prescribed medication for my insomnia, but it never really helped me surrender to relaxation. I couldn't rest for more than a few hours. I tried so many things out of desperation, but nothing worked...

That is, until I tried cannabis. It was exactly what I needed.

I started smoking a little every night and was able to get 8 hours of sleep at a time, which is insane, considering how long I struggled with insomnia. This was real progress. 

As I started to lean into my new herbal routine, I also noticed my confidence flourish. I finally felt my life could truly be lived to the fullest, and this realization gave me the strength I needed to feel out my trauma in therapy. 

While making major progress in my daily life, I also found my spirituality reached a higher level. I was able to tap into my intuition more than ever. I've been working as a psychic medium for many years; the more pain I shed, the clearer my energy field became, making the messages I was receiving even more vivid. Weed was a grounding force that allowed me to relax enough to fully open up, and feel balance in my being. 

Cannabis has also led to another joyful breakthrough in my journey; it helped me learn to explore my body after surviving sexual abuse. This trauma had blocked me from feeling secure. It reached the point where I even lost the ability to dance. Smoking weed gave my nervous system the stability it needed, and I could finally move with ease. I have to say, finding a safe way to tap into your sensuality after being abused feels like one of the biggest victories. I became so strongly connected with myself in a new way. Having this control was mind blowing. 

As each day passed, I felt progressively better. I began to take little breaks from smoking, and was amazed to see that I could still sleep, relax and work through my trauma. It seems all my body needed was to learn a new pattern with some help from Mother Nature. 

Today, I can proudly say I’m free from my “fight or flight” energy, even after reducing my cannabis consumption. I feel like I've been given a new life.  

The biggest takeaway from my story is this: weed has its benefits, and if you move with its healing energies and use it with intention, it can be transformative in so many ways.  

To learn more about Kristine Fredheim, visit kristinefredheim.com and follow her on Instagram here. Catch her brand new true crime podcast, "Friend of Jimmy" while you're at it! We'd also be remiss if we didn't tell you about her bestselling Soul Cards tarot deck. Get yours today. 

Photos by Liana Carbone