January 2021
I am writing this letter to express my interest in supporting the development of the medicinal cannabis industry in St Vincent and the Grenadines by sharing my experience and providing counselling. I would be happy to work with a licensed medicinal cannabis company in a customer-facing role. My motivation is driven by my own experience. I have the desire to promote more accessibility to the health alternative that is medicinal cannabis.
My journey started in October 2016, when I was diagnosed with a stage 2 Hodgkin lymphoma. My first chest CT scan showed lymphadenopathy in the mediastinum (See doc1).
A follow-up TAP scan showed no sub-diaphragmatic abnormalities. My attending physician then prescribed a biopsy of one of the supraclavicular lymph nodes and in October 2016 I had my diagnostic (See doc2). The only treatment I was immediately offered was a classic chemotherapy (8 cures of ABVD: totalling 16 injections) which I refused. I moved from Paris, France, to California, where I knew I could get more information about alternative treatments. I studied a lot about cancer and totally changed my lifestyle.
I was first introduced to medicinal cannabis oil (Rick Simpson’s Oil, also known as RSO) by Wade Laughter, breeder of Harlequin (famed CBD strain), in his own farm in northern California. I spent some time there learning about this oil and eventually tried it. I already had an experience of working for several months in cannabis farms in North California and got knowledge about the particularities of different cannabis strains. I got 15 grams of RSO from Wade’s farm as well as CBD extract that was really effective at relaxing my body.
I took RSO daily and set up my own “protocol” (diet, exercise, vitamins and antioxidants supplements) to treat my cancer for about three months before I went to do another scan in January 2017, in Martinique. One of my tumours had shrunk by a third (See doc3). My doctor in Martinique, Dr Renard-Quitman introduced me to Dr Avetyan and Dr Schwartz in France, who were involved in metabolic treatment against cancer.
Before returning to France I turned to the Netherlands knowing that they were pioneers in medicinal cannabis, and through contacts I got in touch with doctors who do prescribe a tested and controlled Medicinal Cannabis oil (RSO). Dr Avetyan took me as his patient while I continued my own protocol. The scans were stable, and all my blood tests were good, despite a lung complication (pleurisy) that I was treated for in January 2018.
On march 18th 2018 my PET SCAN showed no presence of cancer (See doc4). I am cancer free since then. Dr Avetyan decided to carry out X-rays to eliminate the remaining lymphadenopathy even if they were benign. I had 15 sessions of radiotherapy in April / May 2018 that totally made them disappear. I have stopped taking RSO since march 2018; I have used CBD oil to help with the post X-ray treatment sequels.
This experience allowed me to gain a great deal of knowledge in the analgesic properties of CBD, and the different ways to use it (topical or ingested). I have also learned to make RSO, BHO, and other cannabis extracts like Rosin (chemical free, low temperature extraction).
Since 2018, I have worked with growers/breeders in south of France, Spain, and testified for the Green House Medical (GHMedical) in Holland.
My aim today is to use my expertise to benefit other people who may be suffering by assisting them in their understanding and practice. As a medicinal cannabis consultant, I advocate for a better access to this medicinal alternative, encourage and support its development.
I would be happy to do so in St Vincent, a country that I have known for 16 years, which is ready to become one of the main actors in the Caribbean medical cannabis industry.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Flora Ogouz