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Tampa Bay Families of Children with Autism Turn to Medical Marijuana for Effective and Life Changing Results

4/28/2018

27 Comments

 
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 Over the years, the public opinion has taken a noticeable shift in favor of legalizing medical marijuana.  While many opponents continue the long and wasteful debate over marijuana being the gateway drug to addiction or worse (because prescribed opioids or other narcotics aren’t, right?), more cases are proving – undeniably - that medical marijuana is changing and improving the lives of hundreds of thousands across our country and around the world. 

Is Medical Marijuana the Most Effective Treatment for Autism?

Just ask the rising number of families around the country who are leaving their home-states because of its draconian laws against medical marijuana. They’re packing up and moving to states that currently allow its use for medicinal healing. Luckily, residents of Florida don’t have to flee the sunshine state. 
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Photo courtesy of Wholistic Releaf
Here in Tampa Bay, native Floridian Pediatrician David Berger, MD has over twenty years experience as a clinician who specializes in treating special needs children. For special needs families of children with autism, his practice, “Wholistic Pediatrics and Family Care," is renowned for their integrative holistic approaches.  They offer a myriad of treatment options for families who wish to explore more open-minded healthcare approaches.   
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Photo courtesy of Wholistic Releaf
I had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. David about his practice and his passion for helping, healing and improving the health and wellness of his patients and their overall family.   
​
He isn’t your ordinary Doctor. 
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Photo courtesy of Wholistic Releaf
“It was a “no-brainer” that kids with autism could benefit from medical cannabis.”
Though California was the first state to pioneer the use of medical marijuana, it would be Colorado that took the press by storm, publicizing the success of its progressive movements using marijuana for medicinal and then recreational use. Dr. David began to read about and research how Colorado was using marijuana medicinally. “It was a “no-brainer” that kids with autism could benefit from medical cannabis.” I sat in absolute awe listening to Dr. David describe his expertise in the newly passed law for medical marijuana in Florida of 2016, and how it defined what is and isn’t legal cannabis.

Due to the intricacies of this new law, he opened Wholistic Releaf, a specialty clinic dedicated to medical cannabis. He spoke passionately about his research, but it was a candid discussion without the medical jargon that tends to fog most person-doctor discussions. His research led to hours of his developing a spreadsheet matching the debilitating symptoms associated with autism (anxiety, panic attacks, insomnia, self-injurious/challenging behavior, communication difficulty, etc.) to the list of similar symptoms in qualifying conditions, such as Parkinson’s, Lou Gehrig’s disease or PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), to name a few. This would serve as Dr. David's supporting documentation for qualifying children and adults with autism for medical cannabis. A treatment that could potentially ease the day-to-day challenges that individuals with special needs experience.

​He further researched the various strains and dosage combinations of the two components CBD (Cannabidiol) and THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol), so he can make informed recommendations that will maximize the positive effects it could have on his patients. Dr. David doesn’t just certify patients for the medical cannabis card. He works collaboratively with his patients and their families. They are equal partners as they move forward in the treatment process. 
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Photo courtesy of Wholistic Releaf
Jen Mulry, whose 12-year-old son Gabriel (who has autism) has been a patient of Dr. David for over ten years, recalls receiving a phone call from Dr. David asking if she would like to participate in a “rules meeting” at the Department of Health.   Changes in the law threatening to impact a doctors ability to prescribe medical cannabis were about to take place.  Dr. David wanted his patients and their families to remain informed, involved and meaningful participants in the entire process. He wanted the parent voice to be heard by health care officials. His herculean efforts included daily phone calls to the state as he advocated for his patients, their families and their need to have access to medical marijuana.   

Desperate Times call for Effective Measures

​I had the best conversation with Jen Mulry over the phone about her experience giving medical cannabis to her son Gabriel. Jen is a mother who is intelligent, resilient, strong, passionate and unstoppable. She is lovely and pleasant, and I can hear the excitement in her voice during our brief introduction. 
I asked Jen about what times were like before finding the answer in medical marijuana for treating her son Gabriel’s daily struggle. Her voice went from excited to serious as she described darker times. As parents of children with autism, we all know about dark times.  I listened as Jen talked about Gabriel’s evolving behavior over the years. The early years included Gabriel exhibiting minor episodes of anxiety and increasingly longer instances of perseveration (the repetition of phrases, words or gestures).  Then, Jen started to see patterns of behavior in Gabriel she never saw before. Gabriel was experiencing severe panic attacks and tantrums that included hours of screaming, biting, and self-injurious behavior that included head banging.

​Jen would take Gabriel to school only to have to go back within thirty minutes to pick him up. Gabriel had episodes for over a year where he would become almost catatonic for weeks at a time.  
“It was the first time since I’ve had my son that I realized I couldn’t help him. Life can’t go on like this. Depression sets in because you’re only as happy as your happiest child.” 
The Mulry family did their due-diligence in researching other bio-medical options, treatments, therapies, you name it – they spent their life savings trying it.  Sadly, nothing worked. For many of us parents of children with autism who are reading this, we recognize the heartache Jen experienced. Many of us know the desperation, isolation, endless nights of crying, and how these behaviors can leave an entire family paralyzed and trapped in a life for which we’re left with nothing else but to think that unthinkable thought we all work so hard to avoid. But institutionalizing our children has no place in ordinary discussion. 
Gabriel was on track to being Dr. David’s first patient to be treated with medical marijuana. “It was the first time since I’ve had my son that I realized I couldn’t help him. Life can’t go on like this. Depression sets in because you’re only as happy as your happiest child.” 

 Medical Marijuana was the Natural Next Step

When I asked Jen to tell me about her experience using medical marijuana with Gabriel, I was expecting her to describe the change as instantaneous improvement. I was wrong. Jen went on to talk about how within two to three weeks of using CBD, she could see Gabriel was having adverse effects. 
She thought, “This can’t be happening.” Gabriel’s anxiety was getting worse.  After documenting Gabriel’s reactions, maintaining close consultation with Dr. David, and a few changes in dosage that included adding one to three mg of THC, they began to see positive changes.  For Gabriel, higher doses of THC than CBD sparked the miracle they were waiting for. 

"I got my son back," Jen said. She talked about him smiling all the time and how jovial he is. Gabriel is now able to participate in family functions and in the community again. 

“Parents should be educated, but not scared. I would never give my son anything without vetting it completely,” Jen stated.
Jen cautions parents to work with doctors they trust and not to be discouraged if the treatment doesn’t work right away. 
We were coming to the end of our discussion when I asked Jen how Gabriel is today. I could hear her smiling over the phone as she described her son as the “light of her life.” Gabriel is a twelve-year-old boy who is sweet, loving, affectionate and a good boy despite being a handful! 
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Photo courtesy of the Mulry Family
"When Gabriel was born, she made three promises as a mom. Keep him happy, healthy and loved.”
Jen offers the following advice to parents who are considering using medical marijuana as a treatment option for their child with autism:
  • Work with a doctor who is well-informed and whom you trust.
  • Be patient – but be prepared to be your own advocate during this process. Don’t rely on anyone to make phone calls (the application process often requires follow-up with the Florida Office of Medical Marijuana use).
  • Don’t give up hope right away - You might need to try different dosages like Gabriel did.
  • Stay informed because the laws are always changing. 
 Jen shared some other resources with us that are posted on our resource links page.

Medical Marijuana isn’t just healing those living in daily
​pain and agony – It’s Improving Quality of Life

These days, Jen and Gabriel go to the beach, they play in the waves, and life is just normal. “It’s better than normal, it’s great.”  Jen doesn’t care about societal norms. Her measure of how well her son is doing is based on the smile on his face. Nothing else matters. And nothing else should.
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Photo courtesy of the Mulry Family
The Mulry’s are one of thousands of families who have seen dramatic improvements in their children with autism, proving medical marijuana helps our children in ways no other medication has been able to match.
​
Medical marijuana could be the miracle treatment for self-advocates and families struggling with debilitating challenges in their daily lives. 

If you're interested in learning more about Dr. David and his practice, visit "Wholistic Releaf." 


Although I was compensated by Wholistic Releaf, the opinions and thoughts expressed are my own.

Related Posts

Follow our family's chronicled experience with medical cannabis here:
Treating Autism with Medical Cannabis: Why We Chose Medical Cannabis to Treat our Son with Autism."

Sincerely, Christine SensoryFriends

27 Comments
Rachel
4/29/2018 02:20:55 pm

This is really interesting, if a little controversial. I was intrigued by the title of this post and it kept me reading thoughout to see what the families found!

Reply
Christine Goulbourne link
4/30/2018 09:16:25 pm

Thank you for visiting and commenting, Rachel.

Reply
Jessica Joachim link
4/29/2018 03:14:51 pm

I feel like medical marijuana is so great for so many things! I love that it is (slowly) becoming more used and more accepted!

Reply
Christine Goulbourne link
4/30/2018 09:17:29 pm

I couldn't agree with you more, Jessica! Thanks for visiting!

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Alessandra link
4/30/2018 11:56:20 am

I've seen lot of headlines in the news about its medical use lately, but that's a new one. I'm glad to hear that her son is living well.

Reply
Christine Goulbourne link
4/30/2018 09:18:36 pm

Thank you, Alessandra, for your kind words and for stopping by!

Reply
Eileen link
4/30/2018 03:48:36 pm

I'm glad to hear that he was able to find a treatment that helped him so much!

Reply
Christine Goulbourne link
5/1/2018 08:29:46 am

Thank you!

Reply
Jill
4/30/2018 06:26:54 pm

What is Gabriel’s level of function after starting the medicinal marijuana? How is he now communicating? I’m glad he is happy and anxiety has been relieved. Would like more info on what his behaviors are now. Thanks.

Reply
Christine Goulbourne link
5/1/2018 08:31:14 am

Please feel free to visit the Wholistic Releaf website for more information on Gabriel and his family - or better yet, give them a call!

Reply
Dawn Clevidence
5/1/2018 01:33:18 am

I have a 16 year old that's 6'1 and 191lbs with alot of anger issues ! When he was in middle school I tried CBD but when he turned 14 we saw that it wasn't helping. I got his medical card and the only time he calmed down was when I blew the smoke in his ear or made popcorn with the butter I made. I'm 55 and like I said he's 16 years old and 191lbs. HELP with ANY suggestions :-)

Reply
Christine Goulbourne link
5/1/2018 08:33:08 am

As Jen mentioned, working with a doctor who is informed on CBD strains is key, I would contact Wholistic Releaf for more guidance and help. Good luck!

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Dawn Clevidence
5/1/2018 01:41:44 am

My son is 6ft 1" and 191lbs , we tryed the cbd oiland his school called and said what ever your doing keep it up! But then when he turned 14 years old he started having anger issues! I got his medical card and the only time he calmed down was when I blew the smoke in his ear or made popcorn with the butter I made. I'm tired, we're doing medicine thru a behavioral specialist but it's not what I want and it's not working that great. HELP

Reply
Christine Goulbourne link
5/2/2018 09:37:29 pm

Hello Dawn, thank you for visiting and sharing your experience. One of the most important things is to be able to work with a doctor who is informed on the strains and dose combinations of CBD and THC. I would contact Dr. David Berger of Wholistic Releaf for help. If this isn't possible, let me know and I'll do a little asking around for you. Please feel free to email me privately: [email protected]. Good luck, friend.

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Rosey
5/1/2018 05:41:41 am

I agree that it's the smile on the face that dictates the day's success. That last picture on the beach shows a very succesful day. :)

Reply
Christine Goulbournew link
5/1/2018 08:29:08 am

Thank you for visiting!

Reply
felicia
5/1/2018 01:07:14 pm

This is both interesting and intriguing. Do you have a link you can add that will direct us to a .org or .gov site that also talks about this? Good research! :-)

Reply
Christine Goulbourne link
5/2/2018 09:41:28 pm

Hi Felicia and thank you for reading and commenting! Here is one site that provides up-to-date news and policy updates on medicinal marijuana in Florida. http://www.floridaforcare.org.

Reply
kim
5/1/2018 03:01:54 pm

I was not aware that you could give medical marijuana to kids. I guess I never really thought about it before. I didn't know it could help with conditions like these. It's an interesting perspective

Reply
Christine Goulbourne link
5/2/2018 09:45:51 pm

Like many issues affecting children, it was a parent who brought attention to and first advocated for this method. A father who was desperate to try anything to help his son who experienced several serious seizures every hour of his young life gave it a try. After experimenting with medicinal marijuana, his son was able to start leading the life he intended to as a child.

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LavandaMichelle link
5/2/2018 06:27:46 am

I know a lot of people who use this method. It seems to work well. I would have never thought of it last year! But the more people I follow the more I hear about different treatments and medication. Its wonderful that this helps people and its natural. Thanks for sharing!:)

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Christine Goulbourne link
5/2/2018 09:47:03 pm

Thank you so much for your kind words!

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Becca Talbot link
5/4/2018 04:53:46 pm

I have to be honest, I am not sure how much I agree with using marijuana for medicinal purposes... I'm on the fence. I can see the pros and the cons, but it's such a controversial subject! x

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Christine link
5/4/2018 09:07:59 pm

Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Becca. There are many people who feel the same way you do about this option. What's interesting is that one the first drugs approved by the FDA to treat children with autism in 2006 was Risperdal. A drug with common side effects, such as increased appetite, drooling, fatigue, and drowsiness. Other anti-psychotic drugs used include Abilify (citing similar symptoms). Parents have to make hard treatment choices for their children with autism (harder for those who are non-speaking). Thank you for keeping an open mind!!!

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Karen - Our Irish Family link
5/5/2018 04:21:43 pm

I never knew medical marijuana could be used with Autism. Here in Ireland, marijuana is illegal, medical or otherwise. I don't know the facts on medical use and if I'm being honest I'm unsure of my opinion on it.

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Barbara
5/24/2018 08:15:07 pm

As my son has been a patient of Dr. Berger for almost 20 years I can attest to his knowledge and compassion regarding all children with disabilities. We too began the medical marijuana upon his suggestion and it’s been a blessing. My only disappointment is that it wasn’t available ten years ago!! My son is much calmer and peaceful. I highly recommend it as an alternative to traditional meds.

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Patty Moliterno link
7/15/2019 05:10:02 pm

I have considered trying medical marijuana for our son, but I don't know much about it. I love this post and the recommendations you make in it.

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