Check out the Cannabis and Men’s Health segment from the very first virtual 420 Health & Wellness Fair Summit of 2020! Offering a wide variety in cannabis information for health, wellness, financial, and business needs. Nationally known physician Dr. Frank Lucido and founder and owner of Chicago Compass Counseling Sarah Suzuki have a transparent conversation about Cannabis and Men’s health with Stephen Simpson of Chicago NORML. Read more on cannabis, sexual health, PTSD, and how to have open dialogue about health and wellness with the special men in your life. 

Sarah is the founder and owner of Chicago Compass Counseling a group practice dedicated to serving the family system through inclusive evidence-based behavior change counseling. Offering a self-paced online training for therapists on psychotherapy and cannabis. For over ten years she has worked as a trainer and consultant all across the country through the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT.) In 2018 her viral video, Love Your Fear, a motivational talk on facing your fears from her dedicated work and life experiences.

Dr. Frank Lucido is a nationally known cannabis clinical specialist of high standards, performing medical cannabis evaluations since 1996 in the priminal years of Proposition 215 in the state of California. Originally from Detroit, Michigan Frank Lucido began his practice as a family medicine and primary care physician in Berkeley, California in the late 70’s and continues his own private practice at Dr. Frank Lucido’s Family Practice. Noticing the exponential medicinal benefits of the cannabis plant, becoming one of the first physicians to recommend cannabis as a form of treatment to patients under the age of 18. After surveying thousands of medical patients Dr. Frank Lucido found that “chronic pain seemed to be 60 to 70 percent of what patients were using [cannabis] for, mood disorders were next.”

Consumers use cannabis for:

• Anxiety 

• Depression

• Cancer

• Gastrointestinal Disorder

  • Abdominal Cramps, Crohn's Disease, Constipation, Anorexia

• Headaches or Migraines

• Insomnia

• PTSD

• Prostate Cancer

• Sex

• Sports and Exercise Injuries

“I wouldn’t call cannabis a cancer cure, but we know that it can decrease the growth rate of some types of cancers and it can protect [the body.]” Dr. Frank Lucido noted that although the miracle plant and its plethora of cannabinoids like CBD, CBN and their acidic forms has been proven to help aide the negative side effects of cancer and even known to shrink some cancer cells; it’s more about what your dosage is and how to moderate it. “Dose is very important. Obviously just like with alcohol too much can make people function on a lesser scale, but a little bit might help relax people that are tense and nervous.”

Cannabis and its synergistic Entourage Effects when combined with other cannabinoids are helpful in many areas of the body. When it comes to sex, Dr. Lucido says, “it’s not like viagra, it’s not going to increase your erection, Ii’s not going to increase your libido, but it can decrease some of the stress that can sometimes decrease your performance and function.” Sarah agrees with Dr. Frank Lucido stating, “Similar to alcohol there is that optimal window for functioning… For example when people drink, if their blood alcohol concentration is between 0.04 and 0.06 [percent], that is generally the optimal window for most people to feel more relaxed to enjoy sex more.” In comparison, the legal limit for driving after the consumption of alcohol is 0.08%. Consumers should start at a low dosage and slowly increase their dose in quantity and potency.

“There is that optimal window for cannabis for each person and it requires even more discernment and individual medical expertise to help people understand what that window is for them.” Considering the cultural, environmental, and individual factors that each consumer must think about before their next “puff, puff, pass.” It is easy for even the most seasoned consumer to go over their limit with products found from your local dispensary or dealer if the dosing is not considered or accurate. “Sexual Dysfunction, I would imagine, would increase once you’ve surpassed that optimal window,” said Sarah.

CBD vs. THC: Finding the right dose for YOU

“We’re in a society where more is sometimes better than as promulgated and that’s not necessarily so,” Dr. Lucido states. He goes on noting that there are no reported overdoses from cannabis and that there is no lethal dose of the plant. Over consumption of large doses of THC can lead to negative side effects such as drowsiness, nausea, impaired motor functions, headaches, and overeating.

“I like to use the comparison to Marinol, the synthetic THC. That comes dosed at 2.5, 5, and 10 milligram tablets so you figure somebody who’s not used to 10mg is a big dose of THC, but for CBD that might be a starting dose. People have taken 1000mg of CBD and it doesn’t cause drowsiness, but people don’t usually need that much CBD.” The cannabinoid Cannabidiol (CBD) can be ingested at higher doses without many consumers facing negative reactions.

Dr. Frank Lucido goes on to mention that patients and consumers using small quantities of THC for pain may find better relief from a 20-30mg dose of CBD. One of the most beneficial attributes to the cannabinoid CBD is that it’s non-psychoactive. Those who are looking for an alternative for relieving mental and physical pains can safely use CBD and still function with no mind-altering effects that THC is known for causing. “Personally I like something that is 50/50 THC and CBD because I can feel more clear-headed and still enjoy the feeling of the pain relief and relaxation that you get from cannabis.”

“That would certainly be some of the guidance we’d offer, particularly for men who have anxiety about sexual encounters.” Chicago Compass Counseling founder Sarah notes. Many male patients who especially suffer from anxiety disorders such as Generalized Anxiety Disorder, panic disorders, or Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) can find relief sexually, mentally, and physically from ratio doses of the cannabinoids THC and CBD. “We tend to guide them more towards ratio doses of CBD to THC rather than pure THC because it can actually put somebody into a more anxious state if they already have that predisposition.” Sarah states, “I’m talking about specific anxiety disorders or people who have high levels of anxiety. We’re not seeing quite the same thing with people who have Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) which is actually a really different process in the brain.” Sarah mentions that anyone suffering from excessive anxious thoughts should talk with their practitioner about consuming ratio doses of CBD to THC.

Discussion moderator Stephen Simpson of Chicago NORML mentions that there are many stigmas regarding cannabis and sexual function, asking Dr. Lucido how men can stay informed yet active. Calling “B.S.” right away on dated facts on the plant causing cancers and/or ludacris symptoms to both men and women. “It doesn’t cause cancer, it doesn’t cause mental illness; there’s so much misinformation out there. With anything too much of something can affect you badly, so too much THC can much you less interested in sex or less interested in a number of other things. Finding your dose is really important.”

Dr. Frank Lucido notes that the miseducation starts at our youth. There are many programs such as D.A.R.E or Parent Resource Institute for Drug Education (PRIDE) that historically and today have used misinformation about cannabis in the War on Drugs. Dosage is important to teach us all, including a rate of “35.2% of high school seniors used marijuana in the past year,” according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA.) “Finding your dose is really important and as adolescents tend to follow their peers it’s important that the education gets out there and not just from the D.A.R.E Program like we had 20 years ago.”

As a substance abuse counselor, Sarah states how she has seen how the misuse of many drugs can cause sexual dysfunction and impairment in men. “If someone is using cocaine and they get into cocaine depenedence, they could find that it’s almost impossible to have sex once they’re in recovery [as well as with] methamphetamine. Alcohol we know is something that can very quickly shut down somebody’s ability to not only perform but even to feel the pleasure of sex if they overdrink.” She mentions how choosing to consume alcohol before or after exercising can lead to negative results and side effects. “Even a few drinks can reduce the ability of muscles to repair and heal. Then if that carries over to night time only two drinks will significantly disrupt our sleep which would reduce the ability to actually benefit from that exercise.”  If you are looking for relief after the gym or from experiencing chronic body pains, Sarah suggests the use of cannabis from a harm reduction substance perspective.

“More importantly would be cigarette use, that creates a lot of impairments in blood flow which is certainly necessary for peak sexual performance. When we starte to contextualize the relative scale of how much risk there is to someone being able to be present and enjoying sex or even long term risk and damage, cannabis simply doesn’t even get on the radar of high risk relative to those other substances.” Agreeing with Dr. Lucido in the spread of miseducation from federal and state funded programs, Sarah Suzuki also mentions that many cultural influences negate the consumption of cannabis by implying its use leads to poor lifestyle decisions, poor health and lower life satisfaction. “When really for a lot of people it’s quite the opposite. They’re able to be more present, to let go of worries about the far future they are out of control of, or regrets about the past and to actually take pleasure and be present in their lives, again, knowing it’s that optimal dose.”

Chicago NORML moderator Stephen states how Dr. Norman Anderson of the American Psychology Association has written research articles on life expectancy of men of color. Men of color overall have lower life expectancies than white men; Black and Latino males are six times more likely to be victims of murder; Native American males have the highest suicide rates; and Black men are more likely to be incarcerated, unemployed and exposed to more childhood adversity.

“There would not be this amount of reluctance around mental health concepts if the history of mental health providers had not been using mental health as a tool to hurt communities of color for decades before us, but as a result the way that we describe our concerns to people we love has to come from a holistic place rather than a pathologizing place.”

Sarah Suzuki, Chicago Compass Counseling

It is not surprising that a study done by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention showed that men who experienced anxiety and depression, 26.4% of Black and Hispanic men sought mental health treatment compared to white men at 45.4% who sought help. For years Black men were over diagnosed with psychotic disorders compared to any other race in the country. Stephen asks counselor Sarah Suzuki and Dr. Frank Lucido for ways in which community leaders, health providers, and business owners can help destigmatize seeking mental health treatment within the community. “We’re starting to see a shift [in healthcare] whereas 20 years ago most therapists would look at somebody using cannabis as a matter of substance abuse because they were trained that way… They didn’t know it could be useful,” Dr. Lucido shares his insights on the evolving changes to cannabis and the healthcare system. As of 2020, medicinal cannabis is legal in thirty-seven states in the US. California being one of the first trailblazers to legalize in 1994. “Instead of the social stigma against cannabis we are seeing therapists realizing this can be helpful for patients.”

Community Leaders, Healthcare Providers, And Business Owners Can Help In Ending The Stigma Against Mental Health

Screenings

African Americans are more likely to seek out mental health treatment through mental health screenings by a community leader. Get creative with it by hosting a screening at events similar to blood pressure checks held at a variety of events.

Practical Therapeutic 

Focus on the concept of healing and overall health rather than the psychological problem or mental disorder, healthcare providers and community leaders! Guide toward finding optimal health. Commit to being anti-racist over cultural competency by learning the history of the field of industry and by being honest and willing to go rise above.

Harm Reduction Training

Harm Reduction Training and therapy are useful forms of restorative practices. According to the Hard Reduction Coalition, “Harm reduction is a set of practical strategies and ideas aimed at reducing negative consequences associated with drug use. Harm Reduction is also a movement for social justice built on a belief in, and respect for, the rights of people who use drugs.”

Research and Grants

More research and funding should be allocated for people of color who want to become therapists. The amount of therapists of color is looking dull in this country - research shows that people of all races benefit from being exposed to multiple levels of individuality of another’s culture, customs, and ideology. 

Business Owner Initiative

Business owners can also start their own mental health and wellness initiatives that they can bring back to their community. Build new connections and continue earning the trust of your current clients. Become an advocate for mental health, care, and treatment. First acknowledge any personal troubles you may struggle with your own mental health, discover and utilize the resources in your area and then get involved in uplifting your own community!

Support from Family and Friends

Family members and friends can support individuals (and themselves) by having an open dialogue about their own mental health and care. Be selective in the language used and stay away from pathologizing tones, trigger words or sayings, or direct negative energy and when talking about mental health. Instead speak about the health and wellbeing of the individual. Actively listen, be open and accepting, and support the individual in finding help. If a person you know is in danger and needs immediate help call 911 or the suicidal prevention line at 800-273-TALK (8255.)

“I would encourage family and friends to speak about [overall] health rather than mental health. Instead of saying, ‘you seem depressed,’ say, ‘it seems like this is a really hard time for you.’ Using person-first language instead of saying ‘you’re an addict,’ say, ‘I’m really worried about your drinking or I’m worried about how you’re using drugs.’ Instead of talking about stabilizing or managing your mental health, refer to healing. This is about restoring ourselves in relation to others into the world. Even something as small as referring to worry and overwhelm rather than anxiety.”

Sarah Suzuki, Chicago Compass Counseling

Watch the full Cannabis and Men’s Health video segment available on the Chicago NORML YouTube channel from the virtual 420 Health & Wellness Fair Summit of 2020. Offering over twenty informative videos on cannabis for health, wellness, financial, and business needs. Be open to discussing health with the men in your life!

Find information about Chicago Compass Counseling on social media at @chicagocompass. If you are interested in scheduling a phone screening or consultation, reach out to the Chicago Compass Counseling intake coordinator at intake@chicagocompasscounseling.com.

Contact Dr. Frank Lucido with your concerns and contact information directly at 510-848-0958 or info@drlucido.com and you will be promptly contacted within two business days. Visit drfranklucido.com for more information.