50 - From Opioids to the Plant: A Story of Survival with Debi Wimberley.

What happens when the system you trusted… walks away?In today’s episode, I sit down with Debi Wimberley — a former oncology professional who went on to live with one of the most severe chronic pain conditions imaginable.For years, Debi was prescribed high-dose opioids to manage her pain.Then, almost overnight, that support was removed,  with no real plan, no transition, and no safety net.What followed wasn’t just withdrawal.It was a complete unraveling… and then a rebuilding.This conversation explores what it looks like to navigate pain, autonomy, and healing when you’re forced to take your health into your own hands — and how the plant became part of that process.This isn’t a simple “before and after” story.It’s complex. It’s messy. And it’s incredibly important.What We CoverDebi’s early work in oncology — and first exposure to the plant before the ECS was even discoveredLiving with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) — one of the most severe chronic pain conditionsLong-term opioid prescribing and what high-dose use actually looks likeThe abrupt withdrawal of care during the opioid crisis — and what that means for patientsWhy regulation without education creates harmNavigating cannabis with no clinical guidanceTrial, error, and real-world patient experimentationUnderstanding the endocannabinoid system in practiceReducing polypharmacy (25+ medications)The shift from outsourcing health → reclaiming body autonomyA Note on This EpisodeThis episode discusses chronic pain, opioid use, and medical system failures.Debi’s story is her own lived experience. It is not a universal outcome, and it’s not a substitute for personalised medical advice.If you’re navigating medication changes or chronic health conditions, please seek support from a qualified healthcare professional.Resources & Further LearningEndocannabinoid System basics https://effectivecannabis.com/about-effective-cannabis/You can find Debi @debwimberley 🌿 Support the PodcastIf this episode resonated with you… and you want to support the work behind Canna Curious:You can buy me a coffee  (or realistically… help fund more conversations like this)"Send us a message"Support the showConnect with Kyla de CliffordInstagram: @cannacuriousausTikTok: @cannacuriousauYouTube: @cannacuriousIf you enjoyed this episode, please follow, share, and leave a review - it helps the podcast reach more curious minds just like you.Sovereign Creator • https://sovereigncreator.ioDisclaimer:We are not doctors, and this is not medical advice. Everything shared here is based on our personal lived experiences and the stories of others. Always speak with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your health or wellness routine.