Griff Peters, Medical Cannabis Patient
When Griff Peters was diagnosed with prostate cancer, he knew there was a better way for him, personally, than strictly standard medical treatment. With his doctor-wife supporting him every step of the way, he made some lifestyle adjustments, incorporated natural medicines, and forged a path to healing—inside and out, body and mind, alike.
What medical condition have you been struggling with?
I was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2012. So, it’s been approximately 4 years that I’ve been experiencing symptoms.
What do you believe caused this medical condition?
I believe my prostate cancer was caused by many factors, including stress, diet/lifestyle, environmental toxins, and especially repression of creativity.
What medications have you been taking that was prescribed to you by your doctor?
I was prescribed no prescription medication for my prostate cancer. Some of my specialists recommended various natural antioxidants such as pomegranate, saw palmetto, etc. I found that each medical provider naturally has his or her own focus and bias. The radiologist I consulted suggested radiation. The surgeon I consulted suggested surgery. I myself chose a hardcore natural diet and stress-reduction lifestyle overhaul, along with natural medicines, and it seems to have worked very well. My wife is a medical doctor, a very good one. Because of her help and influence, not only did I get a very early and accurate cancer diagnosis, but I also received sage advice, plus the best care and the best team of specialists one could possibly ask for.
I myself chose a hardcore natural diet and stress-reduction lifestyle overhaul, along with natural medicines, and it seems to have worked very well. My wife is a medical doctor.
What type of alternative medicine have you tried aside from your doctor’s recommendation?
After my initial cancer diagnosis, I underwent a radical diet of mostly raw organic food, and I made a lot of positive changes in my personal attitude, communications, and beliefs. I also was given non-psychoactive cannabis tinctures at the advice of several trusted friends, some of which are cancer survivors.
Even as a little kid, I often wondered how our early ancestors somehow knew what part of which plants were good to eat and when and also which herbs were best for healing this or that.
How long have you been using the alternative medicine?
I started using cannabis tinctures a couple months after my diagnosis and have used them for a few years now. Looking back, I believe I was naturally drawn to alternative medicine at an early age. Even as a little kid, I often wondered how our early ancestors somehow knew what part of which plants were good to eat and when and also which herbs were best for healing this or that. It’s still fascinating, really. Eat the wrong mushroom, and you’re dead. Eat the right mushroom, and you gain insights that help the whole village survive.
My cancer diagnosis has been a wake-up call and a catalyst for positive development.
How have you felt since you started using the alternative medicine?
Good overall. My cancer diagnosis has been a wake-up call and a catalyst for positive development. Although I cannot claim to have a full cancer “recovery” in the strictest sense, my cancer is essentially undetectable. I am very happy to have avoided surgery and radiation, and I consistently get excellent test results from my MRI scans, biopsies, and checkups.
Do you think you will continue with using alternative medicine?
I plan to continue with my alternative medicine path for the long term. From my research and my own experience, I believe the CBDs played a significant and positive role in my cancer treatment, and also in the conditions of several friends of mine that have cancer. There’s a ton of valid research to support the use of medical marijuana and CBDs in combatting cancer. I’m grateful to have had access to CBDs, and know that this medicine, along with an overall healthy lifestyle, can and will continue to be a part of keeping me healthy.
I am encouraged by the growing open-mindedness and acceptance of the many legitimate uses and therapeutic benefits of cannabis and other natural medicines. I am confident that our society will eventually realize the absurdity of declaring a plant illegal.
What is your message to the CannaEffect community?
People’s definition of “medicine” varies widely. Some only think pills and scalpels. Others look first to herbs and crystals. I feel very firmly that the life we live and everything within us and around us has an energetic power that can heal, if it is used with proper balance and intention. Prescription drugs are medicine, but they are relative newcomers to the larger scene and thus our community has a continual need for vigilance and good science. For example, I would undoubtedly have died before age two without prescription antibiotics, yet the asthma medicine (no longer prescribed to children) I was prescribed in my adolescence stunted my growth.
Nowadays, I am encouraged by the growing open-mindedness and acceptance of the many legitimate uses and therapeutic benefits of cannabis and other natural medicines. I am confident that our society will eventually realize the absurdity of declaring a plant illegal. All plants exist for an important reason. Even the “weeds” growing outside have medicinal properties, although most modern people have never considered what these healing properties might actually be. I suggest we return to the roots of our own innate wisdom. Food itself is ancient and surprisingly powerful medicine. Our thoughts and beliefs are medicine. Our homes and possessions are medicine that can either inspire and uplift us or distract and depress us. The images and words that come out of our TVs, our stereos, our computers, and our own mouths are indeed medicine. A good song is powerful medicine. A barefoot walk on the beach is extremely good medicine. Telling someone you’re truly sorry and you love them is medicine that can heal like nothing else can. Speak Truth and Be Well!
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