Medical Cannabis & Hemp Protein in Everyday Life: Patient Report & Experiences

In addition to THC cannabis flowers, which can be dispensed to patients in advanced countries under the drug law, there are numerous other hemp products that have significant health relevance. These certainly include the non-psychoactive compound CBD, as well as food items like hemp protein. The latter is particularly characterized by a balanced amino acid profile, a high proportion of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, vitamins, and trace elements. Additionally, hemp protein is easily digestible and thus represents a valid plant-based protein source. Today we speak with German medical cannabis patient Melanie Hermann. Ms. Hermann is a nurse, medical cannabis expert, cannabis speaker, cannabis consultant, nutritionist, personal trainer, and suffers from a severe bowel disease herself. Her professional training, her illness, and the successful use of medical cannabis and hemp protein make the young Bavarian a person who must be heard.

Patient Report: Medical Cannabis for Chronic Bowel Disease

Thank you very much for the invitation to the conversation. I have had problems with my bowel disease for as long as I can remember; I was born this way. As is often the case, my complaints were dismissed and trivialized for a long time. It was only at the age of 33 that the diagnosis was made. Until then, I went through all sorts of medical torment and had to endure partly pointless treatments. These caused more harm than good and were far from bringing the symptoms under control or alleviating them. No, I even had to deal with side effects.

Cannabis as Medicine: Experiences with Cannabis Flowers (Cannabis Flos)

For almost 2 years, I have been treated with this outstanding medication. The path to this point was very rocky, and I only managed it with help and my own significant financial effort. Unfortunately, health insurance companies in Germany impose a requirement for approval, thus relieving the treating physician of their authority over the patient. Due to this requirement, many doctors have apprehensions about cannabis, to the detriment of the patient. For the already ill patient, the path to cannabis medication in Germany is another burdensome hurdle and is artificially complicated. As if a patient didn’t already have enough complaints. And even the aftermath, meaning the active patient status, can become a problem when, for example, looking for a new doctor or if preparations are unavailable. Many doctors are completely overwhelmed with the topic; there is also a lack of further training, etc. Additionally, there is a lack of education in the psychosocial environment, questions about driver's licenses are still unclear, etc. Therefore, I have also educated myself further in this topic and passed the training to become a certified expert in cannabis medicine to assist patients, doctors, pharmacists, and relatives with advice and support. So that other sick people can also benefit from it.

Inhaling Cannabis Flowers: Effects & Quick Relief

On the one hand, it is the rapid effectiveness of the medication through inhalation while completely bypassing the gastrointestinal tract. Through phytotherapy with cannabis flowers, I can utilize the complete synergistic spectrum of the plant. Vaporization of the cannabis flowers occurs without combustion, making it non-lung-damaging and effective within minutes. I am therefore also able to react specifically and do not have to wait for a "onset of action." This allows me to fully participate in life again, free of pain, symptoms, and fear. This gives me incredible security in everyday life, and I trust myself more and more, which would have been unthinkable before. Such as outings, restaurant visits, small vacations, or simply buying an ice cream on a hot day. For most people, something normal, but for me, a big step back into a normal life.

Challenges for Patients in Germany & Austria

No, not at all. As mentioned earlier, I also have no understanding of the situation in Germany. Before we talk about legalization, we should strive for decriminalization and above all drop the requirement for approval for medically prescribed cannabis. In both Germany and Austria, doctors should have the opportunity to prescribe cannabis medication without fear of regression, in the form they deem appropriate. Patients are subjected to treatments that often would not be necessary if the doctor had the option or utilized cannabis prescriptions. Patients have to endure side effects from chemical pharmaceuticals and, in the worst case, are even forced into illegality if cannabis is not prescribed by the doctor and no alternative is effective. In my opinion, this is irresponsible, as we now know the medical potential that the cannabis plant brings, especially for the seriously ill.

Hemp Protein as a Plant-Based Protein Source for Gut & Muscles

By now, I am doing so well health-wise that I can be physically active again. Since I also have a training certificate and a nutrition consulting qualification from the cannabis training, I had to think of a sensible method to adjust my diet to my now increased basal metabolic rate. Just eating was hardly possible, as the bowel disease is still there. Additionally, I react sensitively to additives and do not want a product that tastes "sugary artificial." I wanted something natural and tasty that supports my gut and provides my body with nutrients without causing it to react with stomach pain. I found all this with the HANAFSAN protein powder. My favorite is coconut. I unreservedly recommend the protein to everyone, as I personally experience the positive effects. It is similar to cannabis medicine for me. It enables me to have a better quality of life, and I want to pass that on. I would have been grateful during my worst times if someone had given me tips. I especially want to recommend such a dietary supplement to those with bowel diseases or other patients. Hemp is a blessing for the gut and very easy to digest. The shake tastes really good and is reminiscent of the taste of the well-known astronaut food. Additionally, it saves the extra use of flax seeds or psyllium husks.

Advantages of Hemp Protein over Soy & Other Protein Sources

Clear factor number one. I cannot tolerate soy protein at all. Legumes in larger quantities are also suboptimal for my sensitive gut. The hemp protein from Hanafsan works perfectly! Furthermore, I not only benefit from the proteins contained but also from all essential amino acids, vitamins, and omega-3 and 6 fatty acids. I also take in numerous minerals and dietary fibers. Hemp protein simply brings everything that the other products on the market lack or need to be artificially added. It simply works for me! The rein advantages of hemp as food, plus the avoidance of all chemical "stuff," make the HANAFSAN protein shakes coconut, vanilla, and chocolate so easy to digest. Only slightly refined with coconut blossom sugar, making it suitable for allergy sufferers. Additionally, the shake is filling and is a good snack in hot weather that does not burden. Even my son enjoys drinking hemp protein.

Image sources: (c) Melanie Hermann