I started doing Muay Thai in 2005 after I had stopped going out as much, but still felt I had a lot of energy to burn off still. I was not athletic at all and without any knowledge of training just started running with my dog in High Park.

Shortly after that I met Ajahn Suchart and started taking Muay Thai classes. After about six months of classes, I went through a breakup and hopped on a plane to Thailand. I spent the next 17 winters training and fighting there.

I fought professionally, with fights in Canada, Mexico, China, and Thailand.

The highlights of my sport’s journey could be so many things. It’s been such an intense journey of living in Thailand at some of the best camps. Always tough, but for many years, I was usually the only female.

I think looking back it’s the grit that martial arts can teach. It’s the even-when-you-don’t-want-to… and then still do it… It’s the community/family I’ve met around the world driven to better themselves.

Having my hand raised after knocking people out is pretty damn dope too…

Now that I’m not competing anymore, training is about my mental health. Movement is such an important aspect to me. It’s not about being the strongest or best fighter anymore, it’s about moving my body in a way that feels best for me.

I have a mobility warm up that is really important for my wellness. As we get older it’s really the simplest movement that will keep us strong and mobile. I love to run (5kms) and skip (10 minutes) (& dance!) and walking my dog (2 hours a day). Muay Thai shadow boxing is a part of my warmup. I hit pads with a trainer a few days a week. Kettlebells and weighted squats, pull ups and squat routines for strength.

My injuries? LOL! This is why Blessed was made!

I needed to find a way to medicate myself because I’ve dealt with so much pain. I’ve had multiple concussions, hairline fractures, multiple broken toes and fingers, broken ribs, broken orbital bone, not to mention the mental anguish of exhaustion, cortisol level spikes from over training.

My relationship with cannabis is an everyday thing… because of my work in cannabis, I have access to many amazing inputs, so I really get to experiment with my edibles.

I use a bong before training, usually packed with fruity or cheesy strains and always topped with hash.

I consume lower milligram edibles during the day (25mgs) and then a bigger dose (150-300 mgs THC) and 100 mgs CBD at night. I use mostly THC and CBD.

Please note that legal edible dosage per package is 10 milligrams…

My preference is to consume products that were made by people that love cannabis. Sadly, the level of inauthentic people taking up space in our industry just to make money can be soul crushing. There is still so much important discussion when it comes to the medical market and educating people on how and what to consume. Personally though, I love a nice bong, packed with sweet, fruity, non-irradiated cannabis, topped with bubble hash that my partner and I made. I love edibles. End quote. The type of edibles was not found on the market, so I made my own.

@blessededibles, on Instagram.

What I’ve had to learn is that recovery becomes much more important than the training itself. It took me so many injuries to figure that out. I spend a lot of time in the sensory deprivation tank @float_toronto, do full body mobility before training, cold plunge therapy with Wimhof, breathing techniques, sauna, etc. Cannabis unlocks all the keys to your endocannabinoid system, for me it’s another layer to the onion of finding relaxation or of finding peace after winding myself up all day.

I manage my mental health with a lot of things. I’ve had to learn the techniques to get me through, especially after spending so much time alone during the pandemic.

For so many years, I thought I was in Muay Thai to be stronger… but no. It was about me fighting through something. It was about fixing that little girl who got hurt a long time ago… Making a shield around myself, so I could never be hurt again.

Now, I continue my floating and breathing work. Mental health walks with my face in the sun. No phones when I’m outside.

Everyday movement, whether I want to or not. Even if it’s just dancing or a child’s pose on the floor.

And Therapy. Therapy. Therapy.

And love. And learning self-love.

Cannabis, like a human and their endocannabinoid system, just work together. So, finding out how or if cannabis can help you on your mental health journey is a very individual trip.

 

WARNING: The stories we are sharing are the stories of the individuals who have chosen to speak out. These stories are in no way a substitute for the advice of your health care professional regarding your personal situation. If you have any questions about your health and the use of cannabis, please consult a health care professional.