Ealora’s Story

My name is Ealora McCurdy.
I am here today as a woman, wife, mother, and someone who has found relief from chronic pain and anxiety through the use of cannabis.  I am not here to endorse or promote the use of cannabis, I am here to tell my story of why I chose medical cannabis.  My story is not one of recreation or abuse, but of a desperate search for solutions when all else failed me.
For years, I battled debilitating pain from Lupus, Crohn’s, and fibromyalgia. I struggled with anxiety and depression as well.  I tried every treatment my doctors recommended: pharmaceuticals, physical therapy, lifestyle changes – nothing provided lasting relief.  The side effects of the medications were overwhelming.  I had to take more medications to alleviate them.  The pain became so unbearable that it stole my joy in motherhood. Simple moments with my child, like reading a bedtime story or playing at the park, became tasks that left me exhausted and in tears.
In my darkest moments, I considered the unthinkable. How could I be the mother my child deserved when I could barely care for myself? It was then that I turned to cannabis, not as a first resort, but as a last hope.
After much research, I began using cannabis. The results were nothing short of miraculous. My pain subsided, my mental health improved, and I regained the energy to be present in my child’s life. I could play, laugh, and create memories with my child again.  Using cannabis has been life saving for me.  I can now use cannabis and relieve not only physical pain but also reduce anxiety and enjoy my life more. 
But my story is not without challenges. The stigma surrounding cannabis use is very real. I’ve faced judgment from those who do not understand that my use is medicinal, not recreational. I’ve had to weigh the risk of being open about my use versus the possibility of losing my child due to misconceptions.  I now face a new challenge as a mother.  Because I am legally registered with the state of Virginia with a medical cannabis card, I am not eligible to foster or adopt.  Because of complications during pregnancy and delivery, I am no longer able to carry a child of my own.  My husband and my dream was to have more children.  I worked hard to become both physically and mentally healthy.  I chose cannabis when traditional pharmaceuticals failed me.  We were finally ready to begin the process of growing our family.  I started researching what we needed to do to prepare for fostering and hopefully adopting a child.  Then, I was informed that because of my legal use of cannabis, I was unable to foster or adopt.  Imagine, being the best version of yourself and wanting to grow your family and you cannot because of a medicinal plant.  Because I use cannabis, I believe I am better prepared to be a mother to 2.  I am no longer using medications whose side effects took me away from my child.  Because of cannabis, I am more active and happier.  I am gentler and more patient.
No mother should have to fear losing their child because they chose a safer treatment option. No mother should be told she cannot adopt because of cannabis use.  Cannabis is demonstrably less harmful than many pharmaceuticals prescribed for pain. Yet, the legal and social systems in place often fail to distinguish between recreational and medicinal use by parents.
Change is necessary. We need laws and attitudes that allow chronic pain sufferers to choose cannabis as a treatment option without fear of repercussions on our parenting. We need doctors to be educated about cannabis so they can advise patients properly. We need open conversations to dispel the stigma surrounding medicinal cannabis use.
To the fellow mothers out there suffering in silence, I see you. Do not lose hope. Advocate for yourself and explore all treatment options available. To the policymakers, I urge you to reconsider the laws and restrictions placed on medicinal cannabis use by parents. And to everyone, educate yourselves about cannabis. It may just be the medicine a mother in your life needs to thrive.
Let us work towards a future where no mother must choose between her health and her child. A future where medicinal cannabis use is understood, not judged. A future where mothers can be well and be present for their families.
Thank you.