Jason’s Journey — Living Better with MS

When Jason was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) at 29, he thought the hardest part would be learning to walk with a cane. He had no idea the invisible symptoms would become the real battle: searing neuropathy, muscle spasms, fatigue, and shocking sensations that made it feel like his legs were buzzing with live wires.

“It’s like my nervous system is playing a prank on me 24/7,” Jason said with a grin. “If only I could unsubscribe from my spinal cord.”

The physical toll was heavy, but the emotional weight was worse. Every flare-up reminded him of what MS had taken. Anxiety and depression crept in, and Jason found himself withdrawing from the people and activities he loved most. Prescription medications dulled his edges but never really brought relief—they left him groggy, irritable, and still hurting.

When Kentucky launched its medical cannabis program in January 2025, Jason was one of the first to sign up. He figured if MS was going to keep throwing curveballs, he deserved a better bat.

Instead of relying on one product, Jason and his doctor built a personalized cannabis plan that targeted the different layers of his condition. RSO (Rick Simpson Oil): A small dose at night finally gave him deep, restorative sleep. Tinctures: Smooth daytime management for nerve pain without clouding his focus. Topicals: A quick fix for stubborn muscle spasms that popped up out of nowhere.

Relief That’s Tailored

Cannabis isn’t one-size-fits-all. What helped Jason most was learning about how cannabinoids and terpenes work together for symptom-specific relief.

• Neuropathy & Muscle Spasms → THC + CBD combo

  • THC brought pain relief, while CBD balanced out side effects and added anti-inflammatory support.

  • Beta-caryophyllene was a game-changer terpene, acting like a natural nerve-soother.

• Fatigue & Brain Fog → Limonene + Pinene

  • These uplifting terpenes gave Jason daytime energy and sharper focus.

  • Strains like Green Crack or Sour Diesel (used in low, careful doses) helped him get through workdays without the crash.

• Sleep & Nighttime Spasms → CBN + Linalool

  • CBN paired with the lavender-like terpene linalool made nights peaceful again.

  • Indica strains such as Northern Lights or Granddaddy Purple became part of his bedtime ritual.

Jason laughs now about how far he’s come: “I used to roll my eyes at people talking about terpenes. I thought it was hippie nonsense. Now I’m like, ‘Excuse me, does this tincture lean more towards linalool or limonene?’ I’ve become that guy.”

Today, Jason still has MS—cannabis hasn’t cured it. But it’s transformed how he lives with it. His pain is manageable, his sleep is solid, and his anxiety has loosened its grip.

“I can actually plan things again without worrying if I’ll be stuck in bed. I can hang out with friends, cook dinner, even go fishing. For the first time since my diagnosis, MS isn’t running the show.”

For Kentuckians living with conditions like MS, Jason’s story is proof that relief is possible. Cannabis isn’t about “checking out”—it’s about showing up for your life again.

As Kentucky patients start exploring the program, stories like Jason’s remind us all: healing doesn’t look the same for everyone, but it’s real, it’s personal, and it’s within reach.