International Women’s Day is an occasion to celebrate the achievements of women in various fields, but it also serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for gender equality. One industry that has been historically male-dominated is STEM, with women comprising only 28% of the workforce. However, the story of Dr. Annabelle Manalo-Morgan and her journey to save her son with the help of cannabis is a powerful example of how women’s participation in STEM is crucial. In this article, we’ll explore Dr. Manalo-Morgan’s story and how it highlights the importance of holistic approaches to healing, as well as the need for more women in STEM.
The Journey to Save Macario
Dr. Manalo-Morgan’s journey began when her son Macario experienced a stroke at just two days old, followed by up to 200 daily seizures. Despite a life-saving neurosurgery that removed 38% of his brain, doctors warned that Macario’s future would be characterized by restricted speech and movement. Desperate to find anything that could help her son, Dr. Manalo-Morgan turned to her expertise as a cellular biologist and began researching alternative treatments.
In the summer of 2016, Dr. Manalo-Morgan created one of the purest and most consistent forms of cannabidiol, or CBD oil, with no other cannabinoids or fillers. She took her son off his heavy drug regimen and began administering her creation directly through the feeding tube protruding from his tiny belly. Three years later, Macario had nearly caught up to his preschool peers. He was speaking, moving, laughing, and playing like a normal, active 5-year-old.
The Importance of Holistic Approaches to Healing
Dr. Manalo-Morgan’s experience highlights the importance of holistic approaches to healing. While conventional medicine has its place, it is not always the best or only option. In her desperation to help her son, Dr. Manalo-Morgan turned to her expertise in cellular biology and found a solution that was unconventional but effective. Her story emphasizes the need to integrate holistic healing methods that have been valued in cultures around the world for centuries.
The Need for Women in STEM
Dr. Manalo-Morgan’s journey also highlights the need for more women in STEM. Women are vastly underrepresented in the field, and their contributions are often overlooked or uncredited. However, stories like Dr. Manalo-Morgan’s demonstrate the incredible value that women bring to STEM fields. Their unique perspectives and experiences can lead to groundbreaking discoveries and innovations. It is crucial that we encourage more women to pursue careers in STEM and provide them with the support and resources they need to succeed.
Mighty Flower: How Cannabis Saved My Son and Inspired a Discussion on Plant Medicine
Dr. Manalo-Morgan’s story inspired her to write a book, Mighty Flower: How Cannabis Saved My Son, which seeks to expand people’s perceptions and beliefs about not only plant medicine but also the capacity of our bodies, minds, and environments to alter our own health outcomes. The book weaves together personal and anecdotal experiences, rich history, and scientific evidence to illuminate the following:
The Use of Cannabis in Ancient Healing Cultures and Traditions
Cannabis has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries in various cultures around the world. Dr. Manalo-Morgan’s book explores the revered role of cannabis in Ayurvedic medicine and the contributions of Dr. William Brooke O’Shaughnessy, hailed as the “father of modern medical cannabis,” who brought India’s healing practices to the West.
Myths About Cannabis
There are many myths about cannabis, including the common notion that all cannabinoids come from cannabis. Dr. Manalo-Morgan notes that phytocannabinoids can be found in other plant species, such as cacao, licorice, echinacea, kava, black truffles, and many more. This makes the intense regulatory framework around cannabis all the more mystifying, as there are other sources of cannabinoids that are not subject to the same restrictions.
How Cannabis Works with the Body to Provide Homeostasis
In its purest form, cannabis works with the body to provide homeostasis by balancing and responding to the biological needs of our nervous system, internal organs, connective tissues, and immune system. This means that it can read what our body needs to rebalance and trigger the right reactions to make that happen. Dr. Manalo-Morgan’s book explores the science behind this process and how it can be used to promote healing.
Misconceptions and Misuses of Medical Marijuana
One of the biggest challenges to the widespread acceptance of medical marijuana is the misconceptions and misuses surrounding it. For example, most commercial vials of CBD oil are far from pure and full of hype. Furthermore, cannabis is precision medicine and highly individualized, meaning that what works for one person may not work for another. Dr. Manalo-Morgan stresses that the CBD creation that worked for her son isn’t like the prescription drug Keppra, which is commonly prescribed by conventional doctors to control seizures.
