The Canna Curious Podcast: Conversations on Cannabis, Wellness & Women’s Health

For decades, women have been expected to fit into healthcare systems that were never really designed with us in mind.This week I'm sharing the story that made me realise the gap in women's health research isn't just a cannabis problem, it's a women's health problem.From being prescribed Stilnox before anyone understood how differently women metabolised it, to the everyday conversations I have with women who apologise before asking a simple question, this episode explores what happens when we stop assuming and start listening.I also share why I've launched an international survey asking women how they actually want to be spoken to about medicinal cannabis, what I hope to do with the results, and why I believe listening might be the most powerful form of advocacy we have.Plus:Why women have historically been underrepresented in medical researchThe NSW driving law debate—and how not to get distracted from the bigger pictureThis week's Wellness Field Note on learning to truly listenDating updates, gummies gone wrong, and why I might soon be answering to "Mistress Kyla."Resources📝 Help shape the future of cannabis education for women Complete the How Women Want to Be Spoken To About Cannabis survey here: 📣 Want to support cannabis law reform? Download my guide with the next steps you can take to support cannabis legalisation and fair driving laws.This weeks episode is supported by Azure Healthwww.azurehealth.com.au@azurehealthIf you enjoyed this episode, I'd love it if you left a review, shared it with a friend, or tagged me on social media. Every conversation helps break stigma and bring us one step closer to better education for women."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.

Are you using cannabis intentionally, or just hoping for the best?This week, I'm sharing five cannabis red flags I see every week from chasing higher THC percentages to forgetting that sometimes the body changes, not the medicine. Along the way, we explore curiosity, relationships, discipline, and why questioning assumptions might be one of the most important skills we can develop.This week on Canna Curious, Kyla explores the power of curiosity, questioning assumptions, and why some of the biggest mistakes people make with medicinal cannabis have nothing to do with the plant itself. Kyla shares her thoughts on the proposed NSW medicinal cannabis driving law reforms and why understanding how political change happens may be more productive than simply getting angry online. She also reflects on a recent slide in discipline, a five-kilo weight gain, and her plan to get back to the habits that keep her feeling her best. The conversation then moves into a discussion sparked by last week's ethical non-monogamy episode and the bigger question it raised:How many of our beliefs have we actually chosen for ourselves?From relationships and marriage to medicine and wellness, Kyla explores the importance of questioning inherited ideas and staying curious enough to change your mind when the evidence asks you to. In This EpisodeNSW medicinal cannabis driving law changesHow to influence political changeDiscipline, habits and getting back on trackEthical non-monogamy and inherited beliefsCuriosity as a tool for better decision-makingFive common cannabis red flagsTHC, CBD and treatment goalsTracking patterns and symptom changesWhy tolerance breaks matterWater scrying explainedThe value of stillness and reflectionPlus, in this week's Kyla's Wellness Field Notes, Kyla experiments with an ancient practice called water scrying—a reflective practice involving a bowl of water, a candle, and ten minutes of uninterrupted stillness.No psychic powers were unlocked.But a little clarity might have been.Azure Health Feeling confused?Wondering what “alternative healthcare” actually means? Or what kinds of treatments we offer to eligible patients? Or how pricing works after your first consult?If things seem unclear, it’s largely due to the regulatory guidelines we must follow within our healthcare industry.That’s why we encourage you to get in touch in whatever way suits you for an upfront and confidential conversation.Azure Health https://azurehealth.com.au/cannacuriousHow to effect Change in a Bill -  NSW driving.https://cannacuriouscomau.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/nsw-medicinal-cannabis-driving-reform_-what-patients-should-do-right-now-3.pdf"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.

This week on Canna Curious, Kyla de Clifford explores the world of magnesium supplements, including Magnesium Glycinate, Magnesium Citrate and Magnesium L-Threonate, and whether they actually help with sleep, stress and brain fog.We also answer a listener question about medicinal cannabis suppositories, discuss the role of the endocannabinoid system in women's health, endometriosis and pelvic pain, and unpack why language matters when we talk about taking versus using medicinal cannabis.Plus, a personal reflection on dating, ethical non-monogamy (ENM) and relationships in midlife.In This EpisodeMagnesium for sleep, anxiety and brain fogMagnesium Glycinate vs Citrate vs L-ThreonateMedicinal cannabis suppositories explainedThe endocannabinoid system and women's healthEndometriosis, pelvic pain and cannabinoidsTaking vs using medicinal cannabisDating and ethical non-monogamy after 50ResourcesEndocannabinoid System & Women's HealthMagnesium Supplement GuideWomen's Health & Pelvic Pain ResourcesConnectGot a question for the show? Send it through and it may feature in a future episode of Canna Curious.Resources & LinksAzure Health (Sponsor)https://azurehealth.com.au/cannacuriousEndocannabinoid System & Women's HealthEndocannabinoid receptors in the reproductive systemEndocannabinoid Endocannabinoids in Endometriosispodcast episode explaining the ECSSuppositoriesMy CBD suppository recipeCannabis and PerimenopauseMagnesiumUseful resource explaining:Magnesium Glycinate (may be best for sleep)Magnesium Citrate (Constipation)Magnesium L-Threonate (Brain Fog)Connect With KylaInstagram: @cannacuriousau"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.

What if one of the earliest signs of perimenopause isn't missing periods… but simply feeling like you don't quite feel like yourself anymore?This week on Canna Curious, Kyla sits down with Dr. Shabnam Sarshar — researcher, scientist and passionate advocate for better conversations around women's health and cannabinoid science.From growing up in Iran and unexpectedly moving to Germany for her PhD, through to becoming deeply immersed in women's health research, Dr. Shabnam shares her story and unpacks the fascinating relationship between hormones, the endocannabinoid system and why so many women spend years feeling dismissed, confused or wondering what is happening to their bodies.Plus, Kyla returns with another instalment of Kyla's Wellness Field Notes, where she volunteers herself as tribute and investigates magnesium... with mixed success.In this episode:• Dr. Shabnam's journey from Iran to Germany • Traditional herbal medicine and modern science • Why women’s health research has historically been overlooked • The impact of stigma in cannabinoid science • Perimenopause and the "I don't feel like myself anymore" feeling • The relationship between hormones and the endocannabinoid system • Why mood, pain and sleep suddenly shift • Omega-3s, inflammation and nutrition • Exercise as medicine • Learning to advocate for yourself in healthcare • Female sexual health and cannabinoid researchFind Dr. Shabnam SarsharLinkedInSubstack: The RecalibrationAlso mentionedClaude from SatincaRachel Payne MPConnect with Canna CuriousInstagram: @cannacuriousausTikTok: @cannacuriousauThis episode is supported by Azure Health. www.azurehealth.com/cannacuriousIf you enjoyed this episode, subscribe, leave a review and share it with someone who needs to hear it."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.

Everyone talks about THC and CBD… but what about the rest of the plant family?In this episode of Canna Curious, Kyla dives into the world of minor cannabinoids — the tiny compounds quietly hanging around in the background that researchers are becoming increasingly interested in.From CBG (the organised mum of the family) to CBN (the sleep celebrity) and THCV ("diet weed"), we unpack what we know, what we don't know yet, and why these compounds may matter especially for things like inflammation, mood, sleep, metabolism and brain fog.Plus: Kyla launches a brand-new segment — Wellness Field Notes — where she volunteers herself as tribute and tries the wellness trends the internet keeps throwing at us.Also included:A podcast recording disaster (yes... forgetting to press record)Thoughts on navigating perimenopause with cannabinoidsDating app adventures and Bumble chaosWhy sometimes being single actually feels pretty greatIn this episode:What minor cannabinoids actually are CBG and brain fog CBN and sleep: hype vs reality THCV and metabolism research CBC and the entourage effect THCA + CBDA explained Wellness Field Notes Dating app updates nobody asked forLink to cannabinoid descriptions Connect with meInstagram: @cannacuriousaus TikTok: @cannacuriousauQuestions, stories or topic ideas? Send me a message — I love hearing from you."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.

This episode marks the beginning of a new era for the podcast, one that feels more intimate, reflective, and human.After conversations with an award-winning producer and some unexpectedly confronting feedback from people closest to her, Kyla opens up about why she’s evolving the format of the show.This season will still bring evidence-based education around cannabis, women’s health, hormones and the nervous system… but with more space for lived experience, cultural conversations, wellness experiments, personal stories and honest reflections.In this episode Kyla talks about:Why the podcast format is changingThe feedback that challenged her creativelyDoing everything alone as a creator and educatorThe emotional side of receiving constructive criticismWomen, perfectionism and vulnerabilityReturning home from Nimbin and deciding to attempt a tolerance breakWhat tolerance breaks actually areWhy tolerance breaks can sometimes failThe relationship between stress, nervous system load and cannabis useLearning to approach wellness with curiosity instead of perfectionDownload my Free 21 Day Tolerance Break Guide Thanks for being here for the evolution of Canna Curious.This episode of the podcast is supported by Azure Health.http://azurehealth.com.au/cannacurious@azurehealth"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.

In this episode, Kyla sits down with pharmacist-turned-veterinary cannabinoid specialist Emma Delaney to explore the rapidly emerging world of cannabinoid therapies for animals.From chronic pain and anxiety to seizures and palliative care, cannabinoids are increasingly being used in veterinary medicine—but the real insight comes from something deeper:animals don’t have a placebo effect.This conversation unpacks what that means for how we understand cannabis, the endocannabinoid system, and therapeutic outcomes in animals.What We CoverWhy animals have an endocannabinoid system (ECS) just like humansThe key difference: why dogs are more sensitive to THCCBD vs full spectrum vs isolate—what it meansCommon conditions treated in animals:Chronic pain (e.g. osteoarthritis)Anxiety (especially post-COVID separation anxiety)SeizuresSkin conditions (like atopic dermatitis) What to do if your pet accidentally consumes THCThe role of CBD as a potential “buffer” or antidoteWhy journaling your pet’s behaviour is criticalDosing principles: start low, go slowWhat animals can teach us about:Placebo vs real effectObservable outcomes Important NotesAlways speak to a qualified veterinarian before giving your pet any cannabinoid productAnimals are more sensitive, particularly to THC Resources & LinksResearch PapersIs cannabidiol (CBD) effective to ease separation anxiety? Efficacy and safety of cannabidiol for the treatment of canine osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of animal intervention studies Daily dosing of cannabidiol (CBD) demonstrates a positive effect on measures of stress in dogs during repeated exposure to car travelScientific Validation of Cannabidiol for Management of Dog and Cat DiseasesLearn more about Emma’s workWebsite: kindredcbd.com.auInstagram: @kindredcbdNEW* Kindred has offered a discount on their take home range use the code KYLA10 This episode of the Canna Curious Podcast is bought to you by Azure Healthhttps://azurehealth.com.au/"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.

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.

This episode is a little more personal than usual.Today, I’m sitting down with my daughter, Ruby and we’re having a conversation I’ve been quietly avoiding for a while.Because while I spend my life educating people about the plant…Ruby had an experience that changed her relationship with it completely.We talk about:what it’s like growing up with a parent in this spacethe stigma that still exists (especially in younger years)her first experiences with cannabisand the moment everything shifted after a difficult “greening” experienceBut this isn’t just about one night.It’s about what came after the anxiety, the fear of it happening again, and how that feeling can linger long after the plant has left your system.We also explore:why edibles can hit differently (and sometimes unexpectedly)the importance of dose, timing, and environmenthow CBD can be used as a harm reduction tooland what honest, open conversations about drugs actually look like in real lifeThis episode isn’t here to convince you of anything.It’s here to show the nuance that the plant isn’t one-size-fits-all, and that education, safety, and self-awareness matter more than anything else.If you’ve ever had an experience that didn’t feel right…or you’re navigating this with your kids, your friends, or even yourself this conversation is for you.IN THIS EPISODEGrowing up around cannabis: stigma, secrecy, and shifting perspectivesFirst experiences with the plant (and expectations vs reality)What “greening out” actually feels likeHow one experience can lead to ongoing anxietyThe difference between THC and CBD (in real-life terms)Why edibles require a completely different approachHarm reduction: what we wish more people were taughtThe gap between school education and real-world drug useNavigating this as both a parent and a young adultA NOTE FROM KYLAThis one stretched me.It’s one thing to talk about the benefits of the plant it’s another to sit across from your daughter and hear how it impacted her in a way you didn’t expect.If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who might need it.You can find more conversations like this at Canna Curious — where we explore the plant with curiosity, not assumption."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.

In this episode of Canna Curious, Kyla sits down with Grace Ker to explore her deeply personal journey with endometriosis and fibromyalgia,  a story that began at just 13 years old and unfolded into years of chronic pain, medical intervention, and self-advocacy. Grace shares what it was like to:Be dismissed in early medical appointmentsNavigate multiple treatments, including hormonal therapies and surgeryEnter medical menopause as a teenagerExperience chronic, debilitating pain that conventional treatments couldn’t resolveLater develop fibromyalgia following burnout and physical stressThe conversation also explores how alternative approaches  including Chinese medicine and plant-based therapies  played a role in symptom management, and how Grace learned to trust her intuition in a system that often didn’t listen. This episode is as much about emotional resilience as it is about physical health — touching on identity loss, grief, and what it means to rebuild your life when your body changes.Key TopicsEarly onset endometriosis and symptom dismissalChronic pain and the limits of conventional treatmentMedical menopause in adolescenceFibromyalgia onset and full-body painOpioids vs alternative approachesThe role of the nervous system in pain perceptionPlant-based medicine and symptom regulationSelf-advocacy in healthcareGrief, identity, and chronic illnessThe importance of education and body literacy🌿 Resources & LinksGrace Ker on Instagram: @spencergreenRecommended Chinese Medicine Practitioner: Richard Best, Chinese Medicine House of Natural Health HendraSupport the podcast: Buy me a coffee!From KylaThis episode really stayed with me.There’s something about hearing a story like Grace’s that reminds you how many women are navigating pain quietly… and how often they’re told it’s normal.It’s not.And conversations like this are how we start changing that."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.

Somewhere along the way, the conversation around cannabis got… distorted.Depending on who you listen to, it’s either: dangerous and life-ruining or a cure for everything.And neither of those are helpful.In this episode, I unpack the gap between those extremes and why so many people are still confused, even with more access, more products, and more information than ever before.Because the issue isn’t the plant. Maybe its body autonomy and intention.What I cover:Why cannabis is still misunderstood (just in a different way)The shift from fear → hype (and why both miss the point)The role of context: nervous system, stress, environmentWhy people think they’re “doing it wrong”The gap between clinical messaging and real-life useWhy more information hasn’t led to better outcomesJournaling + trackingA beautiful journal for handwriting and keeping with your stash https://www.rubymarybotanicals.com.au/products/cycles-journalAustralian designed and decentralised - Online app tracking with @ontrackaapp "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.

This week, we explore a question that seems simple… but isn’t:If hemp can be used as fuel then why aren’t we using it? Particularly during this very planned war and outage of oil with far reaching implications.In this episode, I break down:The history of hemp as an industrial cropHenry Ford’s plant-based car and early biofuel explorationWhat hemp fuel actually is (biodiesel + ethanol)Whether it really works — and where it falls shortWhy it didn’t scale (policy, infrastructure, economics)Where hemp fits in today’s energy conversationAnd the bigger question: how systems decide what gets adopted… and what gets left behindReferences & Further ReadingUSDA Hemp for Victory archive https://naldc.nal.usda.gov/download/IND43843001/PDFHemp biomass & biofuel potential (Bioresource Technology) https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S096085241830306XIndustrial hemp for energy (Energies journal) https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/13/21/5810Bioenergy crop comparison review https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1364032118304983Hemp and phytoremediation (Frontiers in Plant Science) https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpls.2020.00359/fullFor more on Australia's Oil production, petrol etc  and who is and isn't paying tax follow @punterspolitics on instagramIf you’re enjoying the podcast and want to support these conversations, you can do so here:Buy Me a Coffee If this episode made you think differently, send it to someone who still thinks this plant is one-dimensional."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.

Cannabis research often feels confusing.One study says the plant may help with pain, sleep or inflammation. The next headline warns about risk.So what’s really going on?In this episode of Canna Curious, I unpack why cannabis science has been so difficult to interpret for the past 70 years.From the Nixon-era report that recommended decriminalisation but was ignored… to the discovery of the endocannabinoid system by Raphael Mechoulam… to modern case studies in epilepsy, endometriosis and chronic pain.I also explore how research bias, funding incentives and media headlines can shape the way cannabis science is interpreted.Most importantly, I look at how to read cannabis research with a more critical and curious eye.Because the science around this plant is still evolving.And in many ways, the most important questions are only just beginning to be asked.In this episode we discuss• The 1972 Shafer Commission and the research that was ignored • Raphael Mechoulam and the discovery of THC and the endocannabinoid system• Why cannabis was placed in Schedule I and how that shaped research • How media headlines can misrepresent cannabis studies • Case studies in epilepsy, endometriosis and chronic pain• Practical tips for how to read cannabis researchSupport the podcastIf you enjoy the podcast and would like to support the research and production that goes into each episode, you can buy me a coffee via the link in the show notes."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.

In this episode of Canna Curious, Kyla sits down with psychiatric nurse Megan Simpson for an honest and deeply human conversation about mental health, stigma, and healing.Megan has spent years working on the front lines of psychiatric care, supporting people through crisis, trauma, and severe mental illness. But behind that professional role was also a personal story — one that includes burnout, PTSD, and navigating her own path toward recovery.Together, Kyla and Megan explore what happens when the people caring for others also need support themselves.This conversation covers:The realities of working in psychiatric nursingTrauma and burnout in healthcare workersHow alcohol is often normalized as a coping mechanismThe stigma surrounding substance use and mental healthWhy understanding the root cause of coping behaviours mattersThe importance of community, connection, and compassionate careThroughout the conversation Megan reflects on what helped her rebuild her life and how her experiences now shape the way she supports patients.This episode is raw, thoughtful, and ultimately hopeful.Content Note / Harm ReductionThis episode includes discussion of:PTSD and mental health challengesAlcohol use and coping mechanismsSuicide and suicidal ideationIf you or someone you know is struggling, help is available.Australia support servicesLifeline — 13 11 14 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention https://www.lifeline.org.auBeyond Blue — 1300 22 4636 Mental health information and support https://www.beyondblue.org.auSuicide Call Back Service — 1300 659 467 https://www.suicidecallbackservice.org.auIf you are in immediate danger, please contact 000.DisclaimerThe information shared in this episode is for education and discussion purposes only and does not replace advice from a qualified medical professional.Experiences shared by guests reflect their personal perspectives and may not apply to everyone.If you are experiencing mental health difficulties, please seek support from a qualified healthcare professional."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.

This week on Canna Curious, I’m reflecting on 48 hours that revealed the tension inside Australia’s medicinal cannabis space.From hosting a candlelit launch centred on women, story and nervous system safety…to having a thoughtful dinner conversation with Professor Kylie O’Brien about the TGA and AHPRA review…to walking the floor at UIC 2026 - one of the country’s major industry conferences.On paper, the conference program was rigorous and impressive, with respected clinicians and researchers presenting on addiction, hormones, endometriosis, regulatory frameworks and real-world data. Speakers like Justin Sinclair, Dedi Meiri and Dr Shabnam Sarshar are doing important, evidence-based work.And yet, walking through the exhibitor hall, I kept asking one question:Where were the patients?This episode explores the shift from movement to marketplace, the evolution of the industry over the past decade, and why lived experience still matters in rooms where regulation, research and commerce intersect.This isn’t a takedown. It’s a reflection on growth, memory, and the importance of keeping care at the centre."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.

In this episode, Kyla sits down with Bee Mohamed for a deep, behind-the-scenes conversation on health policy, patient advocacy, and the realities of building change inside broken systems.Bee shares her journey from working in Parliament House under the Minister for Women, to frontline advocacy work during the rise of prescription medication dependency and overdose, to entering the medicinal cannabis sector with a simple hope: access, affordability, and human rights for patients.Together, Kyla and Bee unpack the difference between “advocacy” as branding versus advocacy as lived experience, why harm reduction conversations can be uncomfortable (but essential), and what brave leadership looks like when profit pressures collide with patient care.This episode touches on heavy topics including female genital mutilation (FGM) and medication-related deaths  with care, context, and a strong focus on how change actually happens.Content NoteThis episode includes discussion of:Female genital mutilation (FGM)Prescription medication dependency, overdose, and deathPlease take care while listening.What We CoverWhat it’s like to witness “political will” actually create changeThe rise of prescription dependency: opioids, benzodiazepines, and polypharmacyWhy reforms like real-time prescription monitoring matter (and what they can/can’t fix)How Bee entered medicinal cannabis — and what she hoped would be differentThe ongoing barriers for patients: access, affordability, stigma, and driving lawsWhy roadside drug testing debates often miss the point (presence vs impairment)What “patient advocacy” really looks like in practiceThe tension between values and commercial structures — and how misalignment shows up in the bodyCan harm reduction exist inside a commercial model?“Corporate cannabis” and the missed opportunity to build true patient educationGrief, integrity, and the moment you realise you can’t self-compromise anymoreBee’s definition of brave leadership: remembering why the industry exists at allLinks & Resources Bee Mohamed: @mata_gatheringHarm Reduction Australia: Harm Reduction Drive Change campaign (drug driving reform): https://www.drivechangemc.org.au/tag/drug-driving/SafeScript / real-time prescription monitoring (Vic): [link]If this episode hit something in you  send it to a friend who’s tired of “just coping.”And if you’re a clinic, brand, or organisation in this space: come talk to us. Harm reduction doesn’t have to be scary. Patient safety is not optional.Subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share your thoughts with me on Instagram: @CannaCurious (or wherever you want them to find you)."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.

A History of Women in Cannabis - with Melanie WentzelBefore prohibition.Before pharma.Before THC percentages became a marketing strategy.Cannabis lived in women’s hands.In this episode of Canna Curious, Kyla is joined by healthcare strategist, bestselling author of Cannabis Queens, and women’s health advocate Melanie Wentzel to trace the history of cannabis through a female lens.Together, they travel back through:Ancient China and early medical pharmacopoeiasAncient Egypt and recorded cannabis suppositories for period painMedieval Europe and Hildegard von Bingen’s writings on hempThe witch trials and the destruction of women’s medical knowledgeThis is a lineage story.It’s about remembering that women were clinicians long before we were allowed degrees. That tending plants, tending bodies, and tending community were never separate practices. And that the knowledge of this plant survived — even when the women who carried it were persecuted.If you’ve ever felt like the modern cannabis conversation is missing something  this episode explains why.There is a golden thread running through history.And we are still holding it.In This Episode We Discuss• Cannabis in ancient medical texts• Women as early healers and apothecaries• Suppositories and formulations used in Ancient Egypt• Spiritual and ritual uses of cannabis across cultures• Why high THC is a very modern obsession• The erasure and survival of women’s plant knowledgeResources MentionedCannabis Queens by Melanie WentzelHistorical references to Hildegard von BingenPapyrus Ebers (Ancient Egyptian medical text)If this episode resonated, share it with a woman who needs reminding that this story didn’t begin yesterday.And if you’re loving these deeper dives, subscribe, rate, and leave a review - it helps more women find this conversation.Let’s keep tracing the thread.You can find Mel @h.i_m.e.l__"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.

In this episode, Kyla is joined by her friend Jess for a wide-ranging, honest conversation that starts with balance - and quickly reveals how complicated that word really is.What does balance actually look like for women today? How do nervous systems stay regulated in a world of constant immediacy, technology, and responsibility? And where does the plant fit into that picture when used intentionally - not as an override, but as a support?From there, the conversation turns to a topic that’s becoming increasingly relevant in Australia: gummies as medicine. As edible formats become more popular, Kyla and Jess unpack the questions that aren’t being asked loudly enough - around safety, formulation, harm reduction, and whether all “medical” formats truly support health.This episode isn’t about telling you what to think. It’s about slowing down, zooming out, and asking better questions.In this episode, we discuss:What “balance” actually means for women - and why juggling everything isn’t the same as being wellThe impact of technology, immediacy, and accessibility on the nervous systemBoundaries as a form of balance (especially with phones, work, and availability)How intentional cannabis use can create pause, presence, and spaceWhy balanced THC:CBD products can be a powerful starting point - and often an ongoing toolThe role of hormones, perimenopause, and changing cannabinoid needs over timeCBD flower, balanced flower, and why “stronger” isn’t always betterThe rise of gummies in the medical market - and the risks that come with lolly-like formatsSugar, distillate vs rosin, and how formulation matters more than people realiseWhy some people feel low or flat after certain gummiesChild safety, packaging gaps, and real harm-reduction conversationsWhether gummies should be considered medicine - or something else entirelyWhy anecdotal experience still matters in emerging health spacesThe importance of asking better questions of prescribers and productsWe also introduce a new recurring segment:“What has weed taught us this month?”A reflective check-in on lessons, friction, community dynamics, and what the plant continues to reveal  not just biologically, but culturally and personally.💬 Join the conversation:Kyla and Jess invite you to send through questions, experiences, or topics you’d like them to unpack in future episodes. Debate is welcome. Curiosity is encouraged.You can find Jess @jessica.inherbloom"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.

In this episode of Canna Curious, Kyla is joined by her close friend Sandrine for a deeply personal and emotional conversation about their friend Alethea (Leath) — who has been incarcerated for cannabis-related charges for just over a year.This is not a legal analysis or a political debate. It’s a human conversation about friendship, shock, grief, love, anger, and the quiet resilience required when someone you love is caught in a system most of us never expect to encounter.Leath cannot speak freely on the podcast right now, but when she is released later this year, she will be invited on to the podcast to share her story in her own words.Until then, this episode holds space for her, and for all the people left on the outside trying to make sense of the inside.In this episode, we talk about:Who Alethea is beyond her sentence — her heart, warmth, and devotion to communityThe shock of finding out a close friend is in prisonHow little most of us understand the justice system until we’re inside itWhat contact with someone in prison actually looks like (calls, visits, letters, costs)The emotional toll of limited access and constant uncertaintyThe strange mix of powerlessness, guilt, and love felt by friends on the outsideSelf-censorship, stigma, and why people struggle to talk about incarcerationThe realities of prison healthcare, communication, and overcrowdingLearning to live inside constraints you didn’t chooseHolding hope for release, parole, and life on the other sideA note to listenersThis conversation may be emotional to listen to. We speak candidly about incarceration, systemic injustice, and the personal impact of these systems on real people. Listener discretion is advised.We’ve been careful not to share details that could compromise Alethea or anyone else. This episode is shared with love, respect, and care.Want to support Alethea?If you feel called, Alethea loves receiving letters - they bring her enormous joy and help her feel connected to the outside world.📬 Mailing details:Alethea’s public mailing address and prisoner number are listed below Alethea WallaceNumimbah Correctional CentrePrivate Mail Bag 1 Nerang QLD 4211(Please keep letters simple: no stickers, metallic ink, or extras - plain paper and pen are best.)If you’d like to send a message of support but aren’t sure where to start, reach out to Kyla via socials and she’ll help guide you.You can find Sandrine @marquisedesark"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.

In this episode, ’m unpacking why I’ve started to push back on the idea of “responsible use” — at least the way it’s so often applied to women.Because when we really look at it, “responsible” rarely means neutral or supportive.It usually means self-monitoring, self-correcting, and self-blaming — layered on top of bodies that are already expected to manage pain, emotion, cycles, stress, and capacity without much support.This conversation isn’t about encouraging recklessness. It’s about questioning why women are so often asked to carry extra moral weight when it comes to their bodies and why cannabis has become another place where we’re expected to prove we’re doing it properly.In this episode, I explore:How “responsibility” has become a gendered expectationWhy women are taught caution while men are given permission to experimentThe emotional cost of constant self-surveillanceHow self-monitoring disconnects us from pleasure, rest, and trustWhere this messaging comes from — medicine, regulation, and wellness cultureThe difference between compliance and agencyWhy I’m more interested in discernment than rulesThis is a quieter but firmer episode. Less about advice. More about power, agency, and what it means to be in relationship with your body without supervision.If this episode feels uncomfortable, that’s okay.And if it feels relieving — you’re not alone."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.

Do I Need a T-Break?Tolerance breaks are usually framed like a punishment.Like you’ve done something wrong.Like you need to reset, detox, or start again.But for many women, that framing doesn’t fit real life - or real bodies.In this episode, Kyla takes a slower, more body-led look at tolerance breaks and what they’re actually for. This isn’t about abstinence or discipline. It’s about understanding when a break is helpful, when it’s not, and how to approach it without destabilising your nervous system — especially if you’re navigating perimenopause, pain, sleep disruption, anxiety, or chronic stress.In this episode, we cover:What cannabis tolerance actually is (and what it isn’t)Why tolerance isn’t failure — it’s feedback from the bodySigns your system may be asking for spaceHow pain, trauma, and nervous system load change the T-break conversationWhy stopping THC suddenly can feel awful for some peopleDifferent ways to take a tolerance break — from full breaks to gentler resetsWhether CBD has a place during a T-break (and when it helps vs. when it doesn’t)What a successful T-break actually looks like — beyond white-knucklingThis episode draws on both clinical research and lived experience to offer a more compassionate, realistic approach to tolerance one that prioritises regulation, safety, and relationship over rigid rules.A gentle resource If this episode sparked the thought “I know I need a break, but I don’t know how to do it without falling apart”, Kyla has created a 21-day tolerance break guide you can download it hereSupport the showIf you’d like to support the podcast, you can buy Kyla a coffee here No pressure - it simply helps keep these conversations going."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.

Women, Hormones & Cannabis: Why Your Body Changes How the Plant Feels.In this episode, we explore why so many women notice that cannabis feels different depending on where they are in their cycle, throughout perimenopause, or during periods of stress and hormonal change.We unpack what’s actually happening in the body, why this experience is common (and normal), and how women can work with their changing physiology instead of blaming themselves or assuming something has gone wrong.This episode builds on last week’s conversation about the endocannabinoid system and brings the focus specifically to women, hormones, and lived experience.In this episode, we cover:Why cannabis can work beautifully one month and feel overwhelming the nextHow the endocannabinoid system interacts with estrogen and progesteroneWhy midlife women notice these changes more clearlyThe difference between microdosing as restriction versus microdosing as body literacyWhy timing and nervous system state matter more than strain namesPractical ways women can adjust their approach during hormonally sensitive timesKey ideas discussedThe endocannabinoid system plays a central role in regulating mood, pain, sleep, inflammation, and stressEstrogen has been shown to influence cannabinoid receptor sensitivity, particularly CB1 receptorsHormonal fluctuation, rather than hormone loss, is a major factor in why experiences change during perimenopauseWomen often experience stronger subjective effects from THC at lower doses compared to menCannabis tends to amplify the existing state of the nervous system rather than override itLearning to work with context, timing, and subtle dosing can make cannabis feel more supportive and less destabilisingSupport the showCanna Curious is produced independently. If you’d like to support the podcast, you can Buy me a coffeeShare this episodeIf this conversation might help someone you love — a friend, a partner, a patient  feel free to pass it on.Thank you for listening, and for being part of this community.Research and further readingCannabis, estrogen, and the endocannabinoid systemThe Endocannabinoid System and Sex Steroid Hormone Signalling A comprehensive review exploring how estrogen and progesterone interact with endocannabinoid signalling pathways. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3863507/Sex Differences and the Endocannabinoid System A review outlining biological sex differences in cannabinoid metabolism, receptor expression, and subjective effects. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8216879/Estradiol Regulation of Endocannabinoid Signalling Research examining how estradiol affects endocannabinoid tone and cannabinoid-related behaviours. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5028287/Anandamide and Estrogen Correlations Overview of how endocannabinoid levels, particularly anandamide, fluctuate alongside estradiol during the menstrual cycle. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9422771/"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.

In this episode of the Canna Curious Podcast, Kyla slows things right down and returns to the foundations.Before conversations about strain names, dosing, or delivery methods  before stigma, shame, or opinion  this episode asks a simpler question:What is actually happening inside your body when you take cannabis?This episode is for patients.For women who turn to this plant not to escape their lives - but to cope with pain, stress, hormonal change, burnout, grief, or nervous system overload.At the centre of this conversation is the endocannabinoid system (ECS)  a regulatory system that exists in all of us, whether we ever take cannabis or not.In this episode, Kyla explores:What the endocannabinoid system is - and why it’s not a “weed system,” but a core biological regulatorHow the ECS was identified in the 1990s through cannabinoid research by scientists including Ally Howlett and Raphael MechoulamThe three key components of the ECS: receptors, endocannabinoids, and enzymesThe roles of CB1 and CB2 receptors, and how THC and CBD interact with them differentlyWhy your body makes its own cannabinoids — and even passes them through breast milkWhy relief from cannabis looks different for everyone, and why variability is expected - not failureHow hormones, stress, nervous system state, and life stage (including perimenopause) influence responseThe difference between regulation and escape, and why many women use cannabis to stay present  not numbWhy dosing can feel unpredictable, and why curiosity works better than rigid rulesHow one-size-fits-all advice often creates shame and what a body-literate approach offers insteadSupport the showCanna Curious is produced independently. If you’d like to support the podcast, you can Buy me a coffeeResources & Further ReadingUnderstanding the Endocannabinoid SystemThese sources support the explanation of the endocannabinoid system as a regulatory system involved in balance, pain, mood, sleep, inflammation, and stress:Di Marzo V, Piscitelli F. (2015). The endocannabinoid system and its modulation by phytocannabinoids.Neurotherapeutics, 12(4), 692–698. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13311-015-0376-6Lu HC, Mackie K. (2016). An introduction to the endogenous cannabinoid system. Biological Psychiatry, 79(7), 516–525. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0006322315002127Pertwee RG. (2015). Endocannabinoids and their pharmacological actions. Handbook of Experimental Pharmacology, 231, 1–37. https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-319-20825-1_1Individual Variability, Dosing & Patient-Centred CareReferenced when discussing why cannabis affects people differently and why rigid dosing models often fail patients:Huestis M. (2007). Human cannabinoid pharmacokinetics. Chemical Biodiversity, 4(8), 1770–1804. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/cbdv.200790152MacCallum CA, Russo EB. (2018). Practical considerations in medical cannabis administration. European Journal of Internal Medicine, 49, 12–19. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0953620518300470National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. (2017). The Heal"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.

As the year draws to a close, Kyla pauses - not to summarise, but to sit inside what this season of listening has actually revealed.Recorded from Melbourne, in a softer and more honest state than usual, this solo episode reflects on thirty-three conversations about women’s health, relief, regulation, and the quiet ways women learn to manage their bodies inside imperfect systems.At the centre of the episode is a question Kyla has been carrying since the very beginning of the podcast:What actually happens when women stop whispering about medicine?This is not an episode about trends, tips, or solutions.It’s about:why women whisper in the first placehow shame still shapes the way relief is accessed and talked aboutwhat Kyla has noticed listening to women across diagnoses, ages, and livesThroughout the episode, Kyla speaks candidly about:whispering as a learned survival strategyand the steadiness she witnessed when women were given language, curiosity, and trustRather than positioning the plant as a fix, this episode explores what cannabis use revealed: the gaps in care, the lack of education, and the unmet needs women have been navigating for years.This conversation is for anyone who has:softened their language to be taken seriouslyquestioned whether their relief was “allowed”carried shame alongside something that helpedor felt like they had to work it out on their own"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.

What does a good medicinal cannabis clinic actually look like in Australia - and how do you spot the ones that should make you pause?This episode was sparked by a moment many of us have had lately: seeing cannabis clinic advertising out in the wild that feels… off. Kyla shares a story about walking down the street with her 11-year-old when they spotted a very obvious (and very questionable) clinic poster - which opened a bigger conversation about regulation, ethics, patient care, and how clinics should actually be operating.Together, Kyla and Jess unpack what’s going wrong in the current clinic landscape, why patients are feeling frustrated and disempowered, and what you are absolutely allowed to ask for as a patient.In this episode, we cover:Why medicinal cannabis clinics are not allowed to advertise the way many currently are - and why that matters for stigma, regulation, and long-term accessThe biggest red flags to watch for when choosing a clinicWhat patient-centred care actually looks like (and what it doesn’t)Vertical integration, profit margins, and why some clinics push certain productsYour legal right to access your own scripts and choose your pharmacyWhy informed patients should be welcomed — not shut down — for doing their researchThe growing frustration around discontinued products and limited prescribingWhy minor cannabinoids like CBG and THCV deserve more attention (especially for women)How the system is heading toward a collision — and what needs to change nextClinics Kyla trusts and recommends:PlantMed with Dr John Teh - a genuinely integrative, whole-person approach https://plantmed.net.au/Mode Health with Dr Matty Moore - collaborative care, tele-health, and strong clinical ethics https://www.modehealthcare.com.au/Kyla recommends these clinics based on her personal experience as a patient. There is no paid partnership or financial incentive involved.Key takeaways:You are allowed to ask questions - and a good clinic expects you toYou should never feel rushed, dismissed, or funnelled into one product pathwayIf something feels off, it probably isThe future of cannabis care isn’t stronger  it’s smarter, more nuanced, and more patient-ledThis episode is for patients, parents, clinicians, and anyone trying to navigate medicinal cannabis in Australia without getting burned along the way.Resources mentioned:TGA advertising guidelines for medicinal cannabisAPRA regulations around prescribing and promotionYou can find jess @thegreenroom.hq"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.

In this deeply honest conversation, Kyla sits down with Shaye Topaz a mum, insomniac, and long-time cannabis consumer  to explore what happens when the plant that helped you cope becomes something you rely on.Shay shares her 12-year relationship with THC, from rolling joints at 18 for sleep, to mothering through stress, heartbreak, and survival… all the way to the moment she realised she was dependent, not addicted, and decided it was time for a reset.This episode moves through insomnia, nervous system overwhelm, motherhood, emotional regulation, and the spiritual side of cannabis including the comfort, companionship, and “being held” feeling so many women relate to.In this episode, we explore:Why cannabis is such a powerful tool for sleep, stress, and emotional soothingHow motherhood, overwhelm and loneliness influence cannabis useWhat it’s like to quit after more than a decade of nightly THCThe emotional and physical symptoms of a tolerance breakAppetite, metabolism, cortisol spikes, and night waking during withdrawalUsing CBD, magnesium, adaptogens and supplements to support the nervous systemBreaking the ritual: shifting from smoking to tincturesThe spiritual and relational experience of cannabis as a “holder”How to know when you’re ready to take a break — and why readiness mattersCreating new rituals, boundaries, and habits during a cannabis resetAbout ShayeShaye is a mother of two navigating single parenthood, chronic insomnia, emotional healing, and a long-term relationship with cannabis. Her story reflects the reality for many women who use THC for sleep, coping, and nervous system support. Her honesty and introspection make this a powerful conversation for anyone reconsidering their relationship with the plant. You can find Shaye @shayetopazResources & LinksKyla’s 21-Day T-Break Guide — a step-by-step journal for anyone wanting to explore their relationship with THCDr Jeffrey Hergenrather’s work on cannabis use in pregnancyResearch from Jamaica on cannabis, pregnancy and maternal outcomes"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.

In this episode, we get real about something most parents are quietly struggling with: how to talk to kids and teens about cannabis in a world where edibles, vapes and oils are everywhere and often invisible.Kids today are exposed earlier, more frequently, and in more confusing ways than ever before. Gummies look like lollies. Wellness-style bottles sit on shelves. TikTok jokes about edibles have millions of views. Whether you use cannabis, avoid it entirely, or sit somewhere in between, the conversation is coming and avoidance doesn’t keep kids safe.This week, Kyla breaks down how to approach these conversations with calm, honesty and connection, instead of the outdated “drugs are bad” scripts many of us grew up with.We explore:• The rise in paediatric cannabis poisonings — including the NSW study showing nearly 3,800 cases in a decade, with toddlers and teens most affected.• Why edibles have changed the landscape • The gap between modern cannabis use and the conversations parents are not having. • How today’s cannabis (concentrates, vapes, gummies) is completely different from the 90s weed many parents remember. • Why kids are not staying innocent by staying uninformed they’re just staying unprepared. • Harm reduction basics for families, from dosing to green-outs to mixing substances. • How to frame your own cannabis use with responsibility, nuance and clarity. • Exactly what to say to younger kids vs. teens, including simple scripts you can start using today. • How to respond if your teen admits they’ve already tried cannabis — without shame or panic. • Why warmth + honesty + boundaries remains the most protective parenting combination we have.This episode is your toolkit for building trust instead of fear, clarity instead of shame, and ongoing conversations instead of one big dreaded “talk.”Curiosity is not dangerous; it’s developmental. What matters is that they learn with us, not away from us.If this episode resonated with you, share it with another parent or caregiver - and leave a review to help this work reach more curious households.ResourcesCannabis poisonings in Australia following the legalisation of medicinal cannabis, 2014-24: analysis of NSW Poisons Information Centre dataCannabis poisonings among children increasingHow to talk to your kids about cannabis (PDF Downloadable resource)"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.

In this episode of Canna Curious, Kyla sits down with Alli Bannister, a mother, nurse practitioner, and survivor of an exceptionally rare form of appendix cancer. One so uncommon it affects only one in a million people.What began as unexplained pain, bloating and digestive changes quickly escalated into emergency surgery, a Christmas Day hospitalisation, and the devastating discovery that cancer had spread across nearly all of Alli’s abdominal organs. Within days, she was facing a radical treatment plan involving organ removal, aggressive surgery and hot chemotherapy. But Alli made a courageous choice to pause.This conversation explores what happens when someone refuses to rush their healing, chooses to listen to their body, and claims agency in a system driven by urgency and fear. Alli shares her decision to seek integrative treatment in Thailand, her experience with medical cannabis for pain and anxiety, the role of meditation and trauma healing, and how mindset became just as critical as medicine.In this episode, we explore:The early signs of Alli’s rare appendix cancer and why her symptoms were repeatedly dismissedThe moment she received her diagnosis and how it reshaped her identity The emotional and physical impact of emergency surgery and radical organ removalWhy Alli chose to pause instead of rushing into life-altering treatmentThe role of integrative and alternative therapies in her healing journeyHow CBD and THC supported her pain management, anxiety and sense of calmThe mind-body connection and the importance of meditation during traumaFinancial realities of alternative cancer treatment and systemic limitationsReclaiming agency within the medical systemHow healing trauma and emotional release became part of survivalAlli’s mission to support others walking a similar pathIf you want to know more about Alli or the power of hydrogen water you can find Alli here IG @alli.healingontheroadEmail: [email protected] Remission by Kelly A TurnerQuantam Healing by Deepak Chopra "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.

This week on the Canna Curious Podcast, Kyla sits down with Kaylee, a young woman whose journey with her body, identity, and the plant is as complex as it is courageous.From navigating early puberty and intense body-image scrutiny, to experiencing schoolyard bullying and being dismissed by the medical system, Kaylee’s story shines a light on what it feels like to grow up “different” and how the plant became a source of relief, regulation, and finally, self-agency.Together, we explore:Early puberty and the impact it had on her sense of selfThe pain, stigma, and isolation she faced as a teenagerHow misunderstanding and medical minimisation shaped her early experiences of healthDiscovering cannabis  not as escape, but as groundingReaction to the COVID vaccinationHow workplace policies still fail medicinal cannabis patientsStigma, double standards, and being a woman who uses the plantLearning to advocate for her own health, safety, and wellbeingBuilding community and documenting her story on @4beanzyThis is an honest, nuanced conversation about growing up, reclaiming your voice, and refusing to shrink yourself to make others comfortable.If you’ve ever felt dismissed, judged, or misunderstood in your relationship with your body or your medicine  this episode is for you.Where to find KayleeInstagram: @4beanzySupport ServicesBecause we discuss themes of bullying, emotional distress, medical gaslighting, and workplace discrimination, please reach out if you need support: AustraliaLifeline — 13 11 14Beyond Blue — 1300 22 46361800 RESPECT (Family & sexual violence support) — 1800 737 732Kids Helpline (for young people 5–25) — 1800 55 1800If you’re outside Australia, please check local resources or national crisis hotlines.What is BPD - Borderline personality disorder https://www.sane.org/information-and-resources/facts-and-guides/borderline-personality-disorder"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.

In this episode, Kyla sits down with Irena Katz - naturopath, educator, and pioneer of Australia’s herbal vape industry. From opening one of the first hydro stores in the country to helping shape a new understanding of plant medicine, Irina’s story is equal parts science, grit, and heart.She shares how a heartbreaking moment when her one-year-old whippet, Lux, faced leg amputation  led her to experiment with CBD almost two decades ago. What followed changed everything: not only did Lux keep his leg, but Irena’s belief in the plant deepened, setting her on a lifelong path of education and advocacy.Together, Kyla and Irena unpack the realities of running a hydro store when cannabis was still taboo, the double standards in Australia’s vape laws, and why real harm reduction starts with honest conversations. They also explore the stigma that still surrounds women who use the plant and the urgent need for open, non-judgmental education from budtenders to doctors.This is a raw, funny, and deeply human conversation about courage, curiosity, and creating community through the plant.You’ll hear:How Irena helped bring herbal vapes to AustraliaThe story of Lux, the dog who inspired her CBD journeyWhy stigma still drives secrecy among women who use cannabisWhat harm reduction really looks like in practiceThe missing link in doctor education about the endocannabinoid systemIrina’s vision for community-led, plant-positive spacesContactYou can find Irena on Instagram @ladylux420 check out her amazing range of canna products here www.wearelux.com.au"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.

Today’s episode is raw, real, and deeply human. Kyla sits down with Sam Clohessy, a personal trainer from Western Australia, who shares her story of strength, survival, and self-discovery after being diagnosed with breast cancer at just 34 years old.From her early days working on remote mine sites to building a fitness business and navigating the breakdown of her marriage, Sam opens up about how years of stress took a toll on her body and how she found resilience, healing, and hope through movement, mindset, and natural medicine.Sam takes us through the moment she found a lump in the shower, her experience with chemotherapy and the “Red Devil,” and the turning point that led her to explore cannabis as part of her recovery journey. Together, Kyla and Sam unpack what it really takes to heal - body, mind, and spirit - and why curiosity, community, and self-care can make all the difference.You’ll Learn:How chronic stress and emotional trauma can impact physical healthWhat life on the mine sites taught Sam about fitness and disciplineThe reality of a young woman navigating breast cancer and single motherhoodWhat to expect from chemotherapy and radiation (and the infamous Red Devil)How cannabis entered Sam’s healing journey  and why it’s still a taboo topic in oncologyThe lifestyle practices that help her stay healthy today: movement, nutrition, grounding, and mindsetHighlights:“Cancer isn’t who you are - it’s a chapter in your life. Don’t let it consume you.”“Fitness was my anchor. It filled my cup and kept me sane.”“I asked my GP for a prescription for cannabis and she said, ‘You’d have to be terminal.’ Two years later, she started prescribing it.”“The more positive and hopeful you are, the more your body can heal.”Resources Mentioned:Research on CBD, THCA, and CBDA in breast cancer cell studies (referenced by Kyla in-episode) Cannabidiol as a Novel Inhibitor of Id-1 Gene Expression in Aggressive Breast Cancer Cells - McAllister et alCannabidiol Induces Programmed Cell Death in Breast Cancer Cells by Coordinating the Crosstalk between Apoptosis and Autophagy - Shrivastava et alKyla’s Cancer Support Document — to request a copy DM kyla on IG  @cannacuriousauConnect:Follow Sam Clohessy on Instagram @infinityboundlessfitness"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.

In this conversation, nurse and educator Megan Mbengue walks us through her path from hospital wards to cannabinoid care. We break down the endocannabinoid system in plain language, why CBG is her daytime go-to for anxiety and focus, and how to use THC without wrecking your nervous system. We dig into cannabis hyperemesis syndrome (CHS), the problems with high-THC vapes, why flower still matters, and what her team is seeing in a suppository study for period pain. We also touch on microdosing psychedelics, integration, and doing the root-cause work so you actually need less over time.You’ll Learn:What the endocannabinoid system does — in human wordsWhy CBG can calm the fight-or-flight response without sedationHow hormone shifts in peri/menopause can change your THC sensitivityThe early signs of CHS and why vapes fast-track troubleWhen to choose flower, patches, teas, or suppositoriesA nurse’s harm-reduction approach to anxiety, sleep, and painWhere microdosing can bridge the gap when cannabis isn’t enoughHighlights:Dancer to nurse to plant medicine: the career pivot that started in hospiceThe seizure case that changed everythingCBG vs CBD: different receptors, different outcomes“Start low, go slow”  especially for women in peri/menopauseCHS red flags: morning nausea, abdominal pain, alcohol intoleranceVapes vs flower: why potency and frequency matterSuppositories for pelvic pain and periods: real-world outcomes women reportMicrodosing + integration: working on the root, not just the symptomPractical Takeaways:Anxiety (daytime): try whole-plant CBG; keep THC low and targeted at night for sleepNew or returning users: start with flower or gentle oral routes; avoid high-THC distillate vapesPelvic or period pain: consider vaginal or rectal suppositories many women report reduced cramps, headaches, and nauseaMorning nausea with daily use: pause and assess for CHS signs; seek support earlyCycle tracking: you may need less THC mid-cycle and a different method in the late luteal phaseResources MentionedSociety of Cannabis Clinicians https://www.cannabisclinicians.org/EntheaCare — https://entheacare.comOnTracka —https://www.ontracka.com/Connect with MeganInstagram/Threads: @enthea.care"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.

Painful sex is common but not normal. Kyla and sexologist Lillie Brown unpack the fear–pain cycle, pelvic pain, arousal and lubrication, and practical steps to heal without pushing through pain. We also touch on how cannabis may help some women  reduce pain and increase pleasure, plus when to bring in a pelvic floor physio or sexologist.Key TakeawaysPain is information, not something to “push through.”The fear–pain cycle can be broken with slowness + safety + pleasure.Arousal matters: women need 20–40 minutes for full physiological arousal (engorgement, lengthening, “tenting”).Lube is protective and pleasurable. Add more than you think.Penetration can be taken off the table while you heal and sex can still be great.Consider a pelvic floor physio and/or sexologist for tailored support.Some women  find cannabis (topical/systemic) helps with pain, arousal, and presence. Start low, go slow, and consult a clinician.What We CoverDefining painful sex (dyspareunia) and common sensations (stinging/burning at the entrance, deep dull/throbbing pain).Pelvic pain 101 and common contributors (endo/adenomyosis, pelvic floor dysfunction, UTIs, thrush, IBS, hormonal shifts).Vaginismus (primary/secondary) and why “just relax” isn’t a plan.The fear–pain cycle: anticipation → bracing → pain → avoidance (and how to exit it).Arousal & anatomy: erectile tissue of the vulva, vaginal lengthening, and “tenting.”Practical tools: breathwork, pelvic floor release/relaxation, lube strategy, dilators with arousal, depth-limit tools (e.g., Ohnut), positions, and partner communication.Cannabis & sex: topical application, suppositories, systemic use, and why presence matters."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.

In this week’s episode, Kyla sits down with Bee and Ray to explore one of the biggest questions that’s ever come through the Canna Curious community: Does cannabis bring you closer to God?What started as a social media poll quickly turned into an avalanche of DMs, reflections, and debates. In this conversation, we unpack what “God” means to each of us from traditional religion to personal spirituality and how the plant has long played a role in deepening our connection to self, source, and the sacred.In this episode, we explore:What “God” or “higher power” means across different backgrounds and beliefsThe history of cannabis in spiritual practice from Ayurveda to RastafarianismHow cannabis quiets the noise and deepens meditation, prayer, and presenceGrief, ego dissolution, and finding connection beyond religionWhy slowing down and returning to nature is a radical spiritual actSimple ways to create your own spiritual ritual with or without the plantReferenced:Ayurveda texts citing cannabis (“bhang”) as one of five sacred plantsModern Rastafarian practices using ganja as a sacramentSurvey data showing 66% of people report a spiritual benefit from cannabis useExtras:Kyla’s added a simple ritual and mantra guide in the show notes for anyone wanting to begin or deepen their personal practice. You can download it here!Ray would like to leave these here for anyone on this journey.30 sec: https://youtube.com/shorts/toho4X4cmGg?si=2tqKF7dDSaI3boc-30 min: https://youtu.be/W57nYOaQmIU?si=VVYqt-ZKGVoUL6lnLonger: https://theeternalsong.orgIf this episode resonates, let us know. Your feedback helps shape future episodes and we love hearing your stories.Bee Mohamed has worked in health policy for over 10 years, both in the public and private sectors. Bee was the inaugural CEO of ScriptWise, a health promotion charity addressing prescription medication addiction and overdose in Australia. Bee is passionate about patient advocacy and working towards better drug policy reforms in Australia. She is currently an Ambassador for Harm Reduction Australia and Founder of Mata, an online platform sharing stories from the plant medicine industry.You can find her storytelling at @mata_gatheringRay Steele Ray is a storyteller and connector working in spaces of regeneration. After 15 years of severe migraines, a return to natural therapies offered her relief and awareness to the interconnectedness of our healing and living systems.You can find her @ray.steele"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.

In this episode of the Canna Curious Podcast, Kyla sits down with Crystal White from Northern Rivers Hemp to unpack her inspiring journey from working in the disability sector to running a 75-acre hemp farm in Nimbin with her husband. Crystal shares how a hemp license unexpectedly arrived in the mail during the pandemic, sparking a complete career pivot and eventually leading to the creation of a hemp farming co-op.Together we explore:What hemp really is, and the differences between hemp, CBD, and THCCrystal’s path into farming, leaving the disability sector, starting from scratch, and building communityThe Northern Rivers Hemp Co-op and how local farmers pooled skills to create products and opportunitiesPolicy change and advocacy, including Crystal’s role in the NSW Hemp Task Force and her work with politiciansHemp-based wellness and beauty products, and why hemp can be used topically in Australia but not ingestedBee-friendly farming practices and the importance of protecting native stingless beesHemp in building materials, from hempcrete houses to Jason’s new hemp building certificationA rare cannabinoid, CBL, discovered in Northern Rivers crops and possibly unique to the regionWhy listenThis is more than a farming story. It is about community, resilience, and the future of hemp in Australia. Whether you are curious about plant medicine, sustainability, or rural entrepreneurship, Crystal’s story shows what is possible when passion meets persistence.Resources and LinksVisit the Northern Rivers Hemp Shop in Nimbin’s main streetFollow Northern Rivers Hemp on social media for updates on hemp farming, products, and advocacy. @northernrivershempState Senator for LCP Jeremy Buckingham @cannabisjeremyLearn more about hemp building: Australian Hemp Masonry Company https://www.hempmasonry.com.au/Stingless Bee Buzz @stingless_bee_buzz"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.

When Christie's husband, Lei, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, life as they knew it turned upside down. With two young boys, a global plandemic unfolding, and a devastating diagnosis, their family was thrust into a whirlwind of hospitals, misdiagnoses, and impossible decisions.In this conversation, Christie shares openly about:The early symptoms that were missed and the persistence it took to finally get answers.The harsh realities of cancer care, from mis-prescribed chemo to navigating genetic testing.How faith and community anchored them through moments of crisis.The turning point when the plant became part of Lei’s care - improving appetite, easing pain, and helping him regain quality of life.What it meant to provide palliative care at home, and bringing Lei’s body home after his passing.The lessons she’s carried forward about advocacy, honesty with children, and finding strength you don’t know you have.Lei’s message for anyone walking through illness: Don’t stop living.This is a tender, powerful episode about love, resilience, and redefining what care can look like. Whether you’re navigating illness, supporting a loved one, or simply seeking perspective, Christy’s story will leave you with both hope and grounding.You can find Christie @christie_ahfa✨ Resources & Mentions:Genomics genetic testing for chemo/medicine compatibility https://www.genomicdiagnostics.com.au/tests/pharmacogenomics#orderInformation on pancreatic cancer: PanKind Foundation – The Australian Pancreatic Cancer Foundation.https://pankind.org.au"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.

In this episode, I take you on a journey through the history of cannabis prohibition, from the powerful industries and political figures who drove it, to the propaganda and international treaties that locked it in place.This is not a deep academic lecture, but a story about how we got here and why a plant that was once widely used for pain, sleep, women’s health, and everyday ailments became criminalised across much of the world.We’ll look at:The early uses of cannabis in medicine and daily lifeHarry Anslinger’s role in pushing prohibition, and why he was not acting aloneThe influence of industry, media, and racism in shaping public fearAustralia’s own prohibition history, from Smith’s Weekly headlines to Hunter Valley “weed raiders” and beyondWhy prohibition was never about health or safety, but about profit, power, and controlBy the end of this episode, you’ll see why I believe it is time to give the plant back to the people.Resources and Further ReadingThe Joke Dr John Jiggens - couldn't find a link to this but I got mine at The Hemp Embassy in Nimbin.Owen Smith Legalising Cannabis Extracts, Edibles in the Supreme Court of Canada 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs and later UN treatiesLe Dain CommissionLegalise Cannabis Party - BillOWL Conferencehttps://owlconference.com.au/owl-speakers/TGA Public Consultationhttps://consultations.tga.gov.au/medicines-regulation-division/test-soms/If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone who still believes the old myths about cannabis. And do not forget to rate and review the podcast, it helps the algorithm put this conversation in front of more people."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.

In this episode, we pull back the curtain and share some our own stories of how the plant called us into this space.From harm reduction and patient advocacy, to chronic pain, migraines, and the quiet frustration of being dismissed in the doctor’s office each of us followed a different road. But the common thread is connection. The plant didn’t just relieve symptoms; she shifted our perspectives, revealed truths we couldn’t ignore, and opened the possibility of healing on deeper levels.This episode isn’t about giving you a one-size-fits-all answer. It’s about reminding you that there are choices, and that healing isn’t just about quick fixesit’s about slowing down, listening, and reconnecting with yourself.What We Talk About in This EpisodeThe harm reduction frontline and what it taught us about preventable lossLiving through migraines, chronic pain, and the opioid treadmillGentle first encounters with the plant and what shifted afterwardHow stigma silences women and patients, and why that has to changeThe role of meditation, mindfulness, and holistic care alongside cannabisWhy respect, patience, and “starting low, going slow” matter more than everThe bigger medicine: connection to self, to others, and to possibilityWhy This MattersToo often, women’s pain is dismissed, masked with pills, or met with silence. By sharing our stories, we want to open doors for conversations, for new pathways, and for anyone who has ever wondered if there’s another way forward.Resources & MentionsHarm reduction and patient advocacy in Australia https://www.harmreductionaustralia.org.au/Research around CBD and beta-caryophyllene in addiction and recoveryhttps://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8173061/https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8026612/"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.

In this solo episode of Canna Curious, Kyla gets personal about grief, self-care, and the choices we make when life gets heavy. She unpacks one of the oldest debates: alcohol versus cannabis.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeWhy alcohol is responsible for 2.6 million deaths a year globally, while cannabis has zero overdose deathsrecorded.How cannabis-related harms are often tied to polydrug use or accidents, not toxicity alone.The gender double standard: wine marketed as “self-care,” cannabis framed as “irresponsible.”How alcohol worsens hot flushes, mood swings, and sleep in perimenopause — while cannabis may support relief.Key Takeaways:Alcohol is normalised but deadly. WHO reports show millions of deaths annually.Cannabis carries risks but far fewer. And no deaths from toxicity alone.Context and gender matter. Women are pushed toward alcohol, even though it worsens health outcomes in midlife.Narrative is everything. Stigma has shaped laws and culture more than evidence ever has.Statistics:Breakdown of Cannabis-Related Deaths in Australia (2000–2018)This comes from a retrospective review of coronial records via Australia’s National Coronial Information System, as reported by Emma Zahra and colleagues at NDARC, UNSW SydneyManner of Deaths (out of total 559 cases):Accidental injury: 29.9% (~30%)Suicide: 25.0%Polysubstance toxicity (i.e., cannabis plus other substances): 17.0%Natural disease: 16.1%Natural disease plus drug effect/toxicity: 7.9%Assault: 3.0%Unascertained (unknown): 1.1%Cannabis toxicity alone: 0%—no deaths were attributed solely to cannabis toxicityPolydrug InvolvementIn 81.4% of cases, other drugs were noted alongside cannabis in the cause of death citations.The most frequent co-detected drug was alcohol, appearing in 47.2% of these casesResources & ReferencesZahra E., Darke S., Degenhardt L., Campbell G. Rates, characteristics and manner of cannabis-related deaths in Australia 2000–2018. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 2020.World Health Organization (2024). Global Status Report on Alcohol and Health."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.

What does it mean to grow up in a medical household, rebel against it, and then return to plant medicine as the very thing that brings peace, presence, and healing?In this episode, I sit down with my friend Christina McMullan, an instigating rebel and the voice behind Aus Canna Reviews and the Aus Canna Podcast.We start by going back to the 90s, when cannabis first entered her life on a hill in Texas, and follow her journey through grief, motherhood, and advocacy.Christina speaks candidly about:Her first encounters with cannabis and the cultural stigma in the American SouthGrowing up in a family of doctors where cannabis was never discussedUsing the plant during her father's end-of-life care and the conversations it unlockedNavigating pregnancy nausea and the decision to use cannabis with the support of her doctorThe role cannabis played in helping her slow down and show up more fully as a motherWhy she believes in fighting for access to the plant, especially at the end of lifeThis episode is honest, reflective, and full of those quiet truths that often go unspoken. Whether you're new to the plant or have a long-standing relationship with it, Christina's story is a reminder that healing is not always loud, and rebellion is not always visible.Christina hosts the Aus Canna Podcast you can find her here: @auscannareviewsOr you can find her on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen.Subscribe to the Canna Curious newsletter:Get honest conversations, science-backed insights, and plant-based tools to support your wellbeing. Sign up at www.cannacurious.com.au"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.

Lena Mariana (Mary) 11/04/1928 - 03/08/2025.This week’s episode is raw and unpolished, recorded during a tender moment as my Nanna Mary was nearing the end of her life. It's a conversation wrapped in love, loss, and legacy.I explore:What we inherit beyond genetics like patterns of silence, sacrifice, and self-denialThe cost of “being strong” and what it means to choose softness insteadHow the silent generation of women carried so much without ever being allowed to fall apartReclaiming nervous system regulation, rest, and emotional honestyUsing plant medicine not to escape, but to return to ourselvesWhy our healing work matters not just for us, but for our daughters and their daughters tooThis episode is for anyone grieving, anyone breaking generational patterns, and anyone learning to feel instead of flee. It’s for the woman becoming the ancestor her grandmother never got to be.Mentioned in this episode:The Silent Generation (1928–1945) and their legacy of resilience and repressionMicrodosing for emotional regulationAncestral healing through nervous system repair and ritualA call to remember and honour the women who came before usA gentle ask:When you light up, drop in, or take your tincture this week, do it in memory of my Nanna or yours. For all the nans who never got to rest.Thank you for holding this space with me. I’ll be back next week with our regular program."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.

In this episode of The Canna Curious Podcast, we’re talking about t- breaks also known as tolerance breaks. Whether you use cannabis for anxiety, pain, migraines, or perimenopause symptoms, sometimes it’s worth pausing to ask: Is my medicine still working the way I need it to?Together with Bee and Ray, we dive into the why, when, and how of taking a break from cannabis. We explore what to expect physically and emotionally, how to avoid white-knuckling your way through it, and why planning, journaling, and self-compassion are your best allies.We also unpack:Signs you might need a t breakHow to set an intention (and why it matters)How to handle withdrawal symptoms with careWhat to do if you can’t stop using cannabis completelyThe underestimated power of rest, routine, and reflectionWhether you’re taking a one-day pause or a three-week reset, this conversation is a reminder that your relationship with the plant can be intentional, empowering, and deeply supportive.Resources Mentioned: 🫖 Download the Tea Break Guide & Tracker → https://cannacurious.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/cannabis-rest-reset-tolerance-break-6.pdfIf this episode resonates, let us know. Your feedback helps shape future episodes - and we love hearing your stories.Bee Mohamed has worked in health policy for over 10 years, both in the public and private sectors. Bee was the inaugural CEO of ScriptWise, a health promotion charity addressing prescription medication addiction and overdose in Australia. Bee is passionate about patient advocacy and working towards better drug policy reforms in Australia. She is currently an Ambassador for Harm Reduction Australia and Founder of Mata, an online platform sharing stories from the plant medicine industry.You can find her storytelling at @mata_gatheringRay Steele is a storyteller and connector, finding her path in this work through involvement in social responsibility, agroecology, regenerative and bioregional projects for over 10 years. She is a passionate living systems advocate.After 15 years of severe migraines, a return to natural therapies offered her relief and heightened awareness of the interconnectedness between healing and living systems.You can find her @ray.steele"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.

Welcome to the first in a new series exploring sex, pleasure, and the plant - hosted by Kyla and somatic sexologist Lillie Brown. In this juicy and deeply honest conversation, we crack open a topic that’s often whispered about but rarely explored with compassion: desire.This episode is for every woman who’s felt the weight of low libido, shame around cannabis use, or a disconnect between their mind and body especially in the chaos of motherhood, chronic illness, or perimenopause.We explore:Why pain, stress, and hormone changes impact desireThe difference between arousal and desire (and why it matters)Spontaneous vs. responsive desire—hint: both are valid!How shame and stigma still show up for women who use the plantWays to get back in touch with your body and your pleasureThe power of slowing down (seriously, slooooow down)Practical tips to dial up desire, including erotic rituals and daily pleasure practicesThe underrated brilliance of smutty novels and mindful nudityLillie also shares her framework of making eroticism a lifestyle and why your sex life isn’t just about what happens in the bedroom. From brushing your teeth to cleaning the socks off the floor, she reminds us: context is everything.Whether you’re partnered or solo, in a drought or riding high, this episode is a permission slip to explore desire on your terms, in your body, with your tools - and maybe even a cheeky vape or velvet doona cover.Lillie BrownLillie Brown is a certified somatic sexologist, facilitator, writer, and collage artist who’s obsessed with helping people experience more pleasure, confidence, and connection in their sex lives. Whether it was Catholic school or Friday nights spent watching Girls of the Playboy Mansion, she’s always been fascinated by why we crave sex, how we have it, and how to dial up the pleasure.Her warm, playful, and judgement-free approach helps individuals, couples, and groups get intimately acquainted with their bodies, desires, and erotic potential. A hedonist at heart, Lillie is dedicated to guiding people through erotic transformation and sexual liberation with shame-free, pleasure-focused education.Ready to explore your own desires, build your sexual confidence, or finally feel at home in your body? Book a 1:1 session with Lillie and start your journey toward the sex life—and pleasure - you deserve. Find her @sexwithlillieFree Download: Make sense of your turn onshttps://www.lilliebrown.com/make-sense-of-your-turn-ons"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.

Today we’re diving into a question every canna-curious woman has either wondered about, or learned the hard way: How do I actually dose cannabis? And what does my cycle have to do with it?If you’ve ever taken an edible and suddenly found yourself narrating your life like it’s a David Attenborough documentary or if you’ve avoided trying again after a not-so-great experience, this one’s for you.In this episode, we’ll cover:How to find your personal sweet spotWhat to do if you overdo itWhy estrogen, ovulation, and the luteal phase can change your THC sensitivityHow to work with your cycle (instead of against it) using intentional, layered dosingWe’ll walk through what a low dose actually looks like, how to track what’s working, and why body literacy is your best friend when it comes to plant medicine. Plus, I’ll break down each phase of your menstrual cycle and how it can impact your cannabis experience from microdosing for cramps to titrating carefully during PMS.Whether you're new to this space or looking to deepen your relationship with the plant, this episode gives you the tools to tune in, track wisely, and dose with confidence.Download Your FREE Dosing + Cycle Tracker Here: https://cannacurious.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/gold-leaf-cycle-trader-one-page.pdfReferences + studies mentioned are also listed below:Craft RM, Wakley AA, Tsutsui KT, Laggart JD. (2012). Sex differences in cannabinoid pharmacology: A reflection of differences in the endocannabinoid system? Life Sciences, 92(8–9), 476–481. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lfs.2011.09.017Cooper ZD & Craft RM. (2018). Sex-dependent effects of cannabis and cannabinoids: A translational perspective. Neuropsychopharmacology, 43(1), 34–51. https://doi.org/10.1038/npp.2017.140Cuttler C, Mischley LK, Sexton M. (2020). Sex differences in cannabis use and effects: A cross-sectional survey of cannabis users. Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research, 5(4), 252–262. https://doi.org/10.1089/can.2019.0078Sinclair J, Oudshoorn E, et al. (2024). Cannabis Use for Menstrual Health and Symptom Management: An Observational Survey of Australian Women. (Forthcoming – presented at the International Endometriosis and Cannabis Symposium, 2024)Note: This study is not yet published in a journal but was presented at a medical conference. Check back on the Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics or cannabisresearchaustralia.org for publication updates.Ross M. (2020). Vitamin Weed: A 4-Step Plan to Prevent and Reverse Endocannabinoid Deficiency.https://www.drmicheleross.com/vitaminweed/"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.

Ever felt judged for choosing a vape over a wine? Or wondered why mothers who take c*nn*b!s still get side-eyed while wine o’clock is seen as self-care?In this episode of Canna Curious, I sit down with Jess, a mother, grower, educator, and lifelong plant lover, to talk all things womanhood, wellness, and rewriting the story we’ve been told about cannabis!From her first joint at 14 to microdosing with intention, Jess shares how her relationship with the plant has shifted through the wild years of growing up, raising kids, and working on the frontlines of patient care.We talk about:✨ How motherhood changed her ritual and made it more sacred✨ Unlearning the belief that cannabis is for everyone✨ What most people get wrong about mothers who use the plant✨ Tolerance breaks, terpenes, and making the method match the moment✨ Why we need less ego and more connection in the  c*nn*b!s  spaceThis one’s for the women who use the plant not to check out, but to check in. To calm the chaos. To reconnect. To heal.It’s raw, reflective, and rebellious in the best way. Whether you’re new to the plant  or have been using it for decades, Jess reminds us what conscious use really looks like.You can find jess @thegreenroom.hqMentionedDr Jeffrey Hergenrather https://www.drjeffhergenrather.com/"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.

Ever had a gummy that hit you like a freight train two hours later? Or vaped and wondered why the effect disappeared in under an hour? Welcome to the world of ca**abis consumption methods where how you take it can totally change how it works.In this episode of Canna Curious, Kyla breaks down the different ways we take  ca**abis. From fast-acting vapes to long-lasting oils, topicals that stay skin-deep to suppositories that change the gamethis is your guide to doing it smarter, not stronger.Whether you’re here for pain, sleep, mood, or hormone support, knowing the right method for the moment could be the missing piece. What I Cover:Why your body reacts differently to each method (hello, liver!)The bioavailability breakdown: how much actually makes it into your systemSmoking vs edibles vs sublinguals—timing, intensity, and durationTopicals, patches & why they don’t get you highVaginal suppositories and pelvic relief (yes, we went there)Real-life stories and common mistakes (including Kyla’s paprika crisis)More Information:Click here for the FREE PDF of consumption methods."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.

What does it take to shake off a lifetime of shame around cannabis? In this deeply personal conversation, Ray, Bee, and Kyla open up about their earliest experiences with the plant and the stigma that kept them silent for years.From growing up in countries where cannabis use meant death penalties or jail time, to navigating parenthood, professional reputations, and internalised fear, this episode goes deep into what it means to use the plant and still feel judged for it.We talk about finding language, finding confidence, and eventually finding community. This episode is a reminder that education is powerful, but so is conversation. And when we tell the truth about our relationship with the plant, we help others feel less alone.Whether you’re still whispering about your use, or proudly rolling joints at dinner parties, this one is for you.Content Note:This episode includes discussion of drug-related stigma, global drug policies, parenting, and cannabis use. Listener discretion advised.In this episode, we cover:• How growing up under the War on Drugs shaped our beliefs• Cannabis stigma across cultures, from Singapore to Australia to the Middle East• What it’s like to be a mother who uses cannabis• Why conversations with kids matter• How cannabis compares to alcohol and pharmaceuticals• Why so many women are quietly quitting alcohol• Where to find (or build) community as a cannabis user• The missing social spaces for conscious consumption• How to start talking about the plant, with friends, family, and yourselfBee Mohamed has worked in health policy for over 10 years, both in the public and private sectors. Bee was the inaugural CEO of ScriptWise, a health promotion charity addressing prescription medication addiction and overdose in Australia. Bee is passionate about patient advocacy and working towards better drug policy reforms in Australia. She is currently an Ambassador for Harm Reduction Australia and Founder of Mata, an online platform sharing stories from the plant medicine industry.You can find her storytelling at @mata_gatheringRay Steele is a storyteller and connector, finding her path in this work through involvement in social responsibility, agroecology, regenerative and bioregional projects for over 10 years. She is a passionate living systems advocate.After 15 years of severe migraines, a return to natural therapies offered her relief and heightened awareness of the interconnectedness between healing and living systems.You can find her @ray.steele"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.

Lillie Brown is a sexologist, speaker, and fierce advocate for body literacy and cannabis education. She lives with endometriosis, PMDD, and ADHD and in this deeply honest (and hilarious) conversation, she shares what it’s really like to live in a body that doesn’t always play nice.We talk about the long road to diagnosis, the rollercoaster of symptoms, and the life-changing power of cannabis when used with intention. From DIY lube and THC suppositories to navigating the stigma of smoking a joint for pain, nothing is off limits in this episode.Whether you're cannabis curious, chronically ill, or simply craving more honest conversations about women's health, this one’s for you.Content Note: This episode includes discussions of chronic illness, mental health (including suicidal ideation), vaginal pain, medical dismissal, and cannabis use. Please listen with care.In this episode, we cover: • Lillie’s journey with endometriosis, PMDD, and ADHD • Why it took years to get diagnosed • How cannabis helps with pain, appetite, sleep, and emotional regulation • Oils vs vapes vs smoking vs suppositories • THC on the vulva • The mental load of living with invisible illness • What to do if your doctor won’t listen • How to use cannabis with intention, not as a crutch • Why stigma still silences women and how we’re changing thatYou can find Lillie on IG @sexwithlillie Or at www.lilliebrown.com.auResources:In our conversation we mention the 'in the weeds study - published on June 12th 2025'. Here is the link to that study https://raf.bioscientifica.com/view/journals/raf/6/2/RAF-24-0098.xml PMDD information and support https://www.iapmd.org/ for Endometriosis information and support: www.qendo.org.au or https://endometriosisaustralia.org/Let’s keep talking: Lillie and I will be back soon with a special series on sex and cannabis. We’ll be mixing science, storytelling, and plenty of juicy, practical tips. Got a question or topic you want us to cover? Slide into the DMs @cannacuriousaus or @sexwithlillie or leave a comment on the show.If you loved this episode, share it with someone who needs to hear it."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.

Cannabis is made up of cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, alkaloids, ethers & esters, lipids & waxes, proteins & enzymes and carbohydrates.For more reading on cannabinoids:The Essential Guide to CBD by Ryan Lewis & the team at Project CBDCannabis is Medicine by Dr Bonni GoldsteinThe cannabinoids I talked about on today’s episode:THC (Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol):The main psychoactive compound in cannabis, known for its pain-relieving, anti-nausea, and appetite-stimulating effects.CBD (Cannabidiol):A non-intoxicating cannabinoid with anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety, and seizure-reducing properties.CBG (Cannabigerol):Often called the "mother cannabinoid," CBG is being studied for its potential to support gut health, mood, and neuroprotection.THCV (Tetrahydrocannabivarin):A cannabinoid with potential appetite-suppressant and blood sugar-regulating effects - sometimes called "diet weed."CBN (Cannabinol):Formed as THC ages, CBN is mildly psychoactive and often promoted for sleep and relaxation support.CBC (Cannabichromene):Non-intoxicating and anti-inflammatory, CBC may support brain health by encouraging the growth of new neurons."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.

What happens when your instincts whisper something the doctors won’t say out loud?In this week’s episode, I sit down with Erin Oudshoorn - mother to the incredible Luella, and founder of the Lulu Love Project. Erin shares the raw and honest story of Luella’s diagnosis with infantile spasms at just 11 weeks old, and the years that followed - filled with uncertainty, exhaustion, and an unshakable drive to find another way.We talk about what it means to follow your gut when the medical system says no, how Erin first turned to CBD in the face of resistance, and why trusting your inner voice might just be the most powerful medicine we have.This is a conversation about grit, grief, and hope. About parenting in the unknown. And about listening closely—to yourself, your child, and the stories that don’t always make it into the textbooks.Reach out to Erin:@little.lulu.love"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.