Healing Benefits of Cannabis for Pets and People

Naturopath, herbalist, and cannabis advocate Carmen Bubner has a compelling personal story that invites curiosity. Settle in and join us as we explore natural remedies, focusing on the healing possibilities of cannabis for people and their pets.

Features

• Release Date: Monday, October 9, 2023
• Episode Number: Season 1, Episode 56
• Special Guest: Carmen Bubner, founder of Plant Wisdom

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Why You Will Love This Episode

This episode features Carmen Bubner, a warm and knowledgeable naturopath and herbalist who shares how cannabis unexpectedly became a crucial medicine in her life. Her introduction to the plant began when her dog suffered from an antibiotic-resistant infection that conventional treatments couldn’t resolve.

After trying cannabis and witnessing a dramatic improvement, Carmen dove deeper into the plant’s medicinal uses and cultivation. She now integrates cannabis into her practice for pain management, sleep support, and within her five-element plant spirit healing work.

Throughout the conversation, Carmen discusses both practical and spiritual benefits of cannabis, reflecting on how it supports well-being for humans and animals. Her story highlights the value of natural remedies and encourages an open-minded approach to plant medicine.

Full Transcript

Carmen: So, small doses, very similar to humans. Start off with a very small dose and see what happens. I find with animals they resonate and they take on a lot quicker in some aspects than humans do.

Announcer: Welcome to the Well With Cannabis Podcast, a show dedicated to telling the life-changing stories of those who live well with cannabis while teaching you how to do the same. Meet your host, Emily Kyle, a registered dietitian nutritionist turned certified holistic cannabis practitioner. Emily changed her life for the better with the help of the cannabis plant, and now she’s committed to helping others do the same.

Tune in each week to hear heartwarming stories and gain practical knowledge to feel connected, inspired, and supported on your own cannabis journey. Whether you’re new to cannabis or a long-time user, these real-life stories will show how people use cannabis to support a healthier, more balanced life.

Carmen: And see what we can find. So we decided that’s the last resort. She had a multitude of sinus cavities and the infection kept returning after surgery. The veterinarian offered antibiotics, which I didn’t want to continue. A friend suggested cannabis, so I tried a small preparation she provided. We added a few drops to her food and within two months the infection began to clear. It was gone by five months.

Carmen: That experience started my study of the plant. When we stopped treatment, the infection returned in three months, so we put her back on cannabis for nine months and kept her on a low daily dose afterward. At 13 years old, she takes a few drops daily for arthritis and general well-being and has remained healthier since.

Carmen: I was honest with the vets about what worked. They were open to it—many are seeing antibiotic-resistant infections and understand why alternatives are worth exploring.

Emily: I’m so glad to hear that success story. You mentioned that your background as a naturopath and herbalist led you to consider cannabis more deeply. How did that evolve?

Carmen: Like many, I experimented with cannabis as a teenager and then avoided it for years. After this experience with my dog, I studied the plant extensively—courses, books, and practical work. I also work with plant spirits and have created a sanctuary where I cultivate relationships with plants, including cannabis. That spiritual connection has deepened my respect for the plant. Unfortunately, Australia trails behind the US in access and acceptance.

Emily: What is the legal situation like in Australia?

Carmen: Laws vary by state. In my state it’s illegal to grow or possess cannabis, and roadside testing is enforced. Some doctors can prescribe it, but rules are confusing: having a prescription doesn’t always protect you from fines or other penalties. The Australian Capital Territory allows limited home growth and possession but restricts public consumption.

Emily: Do you see progress happening?

Carmen: Yes, slowly. The medical system and pharmaceutical interests influence how cannabis is regulated. As a naturopath and herbalist, I believe cannabis should remain a plant medicine accessible to people, not solely controlled by pharmaceutical models. There’s growing information and demand, but dosage and preparation remain barriers for many.

Emily: For listeners in Australia curious about trying cannabis, what do you recommend?

Carmen: Talk with someone knowledgeable, learn as much as you can, and consider reputable sources. Some people make quality preparations at home if they understand the process. Education empowers safer use.

Emily: Have you grown cannabis yourself?

Carmen: Perhaps. Growing and making your own medicine creates a deep connection to the plant—harvesting, preparing, and using it engages mind, body, and spirit.

Emily: Tell us about your five-element plant spirit healing work.

Carmen: I form relationships with plants through shamanic journeying and spending time with them. The five-element acupressure system I use integrates plant energy with acupressure points to release physical, emotional, and spiritual patterns. You don’t need direct contact with the plant; you can work with its energy and spirit. I trained with mentors, including Pam Montgomery, and combine several approaches in my practice.

Emily: How do you incorporate cannabis into daily herbal practices for health and wellness?

Carmen: Cannabis supports pain relief, mood, sleep, and anxiety. Many turn to it when other options fail, including people with serious illnesses. Spiritually, it’s a powerful plant that can create a safe container for inner work and healing. It also has topical uses for localized pain or inflammation.

Emily: This is our first episode focused on pets. What advice do you have for people considering cannabis for their animals?

Carmen: Start with very small doses—animals often respond faster and need less than humans. I use a tincture in my dog’s food, a few drops daily. Avoid alcohol-based tinctures for cats and consider oil-based preparations instead. Dosage is individual: one animal may need four drops while another needs one. There’s no lethal overdose with cannabis, but some preparations can be harmful, so choose formulations suitable for the species.

Carmen: For people who are nervous, hemp oil is a gentle place to start and widely available; it won’t attract legal problems and can offer mild benefits.

Emily: Have you connected with other pet owners using cannabis?

Carmen: Yes. Some are hesitant due to stigma or cost—medical cannabis can be expensive when dispensed by clinics—but others have found it invaluable for their animals’ comfort and quality of life.

Emily: Before we finish, you shared a powerful story about a lamb. Would you tell it again briefly?

Carmen: I had a very sick lamb whose breathing and comfort were failing. I promised she wouldn’t be in pain and gave her cannabis to keep her calm. She passed that night, but she looked peaceful in the morning, as if she had simply fallen asleep. Helping animals in that way is something I’m proud of.

Emily: You asked four questions of every guest. What are you most proud of?

Carmen: Helping animals and creating a sanctuary where people can safely experience plant spirit healing. I hope to be remembered for supporting others and for the sanctuary I’ve built.

Emily: What would life look like without cannabis?

Carmen: I likely wouldn’t have my dog Winnie today—the repeated antibiotics would have damaged her gut and health. Cannabis also set me on a path of learning and sharing that I cherish.

Emily: What advice would you give your younger self?

Carmen: Don’t be afraid of cannabis. Build a relationship with the plant and approach it as a learning journey rather than something to fear.

Emily: How would you like to be remembered?

Carmen: For helping people and animals, for providing support, and for the sanctuary where people can safely explore plant spirit healing.

Emily: Any final words of wisdom?

Carmen: Learn about plants. Nature should remain a source of medicine, not be tangled in red tape. Keep learning and take it one day at a time.

Announcer: Congratulations, you’ve finished another episode of the Well With Cannabis Podcast and are one step closer to discovering how you, too, can live well with cannabis.

Thank you for listening. For more information, show notes, guest details, recipes, and resources, please visit the podcast’s home page. If you want ongoing support on your cannabis journey, consider joining the private Well With Cannabis Community to connect with like-minded people focused on health and wellness through cannabis.

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