Cannabis Coaching for Mental Health: Therapist-Guided Support

In this episode, host Emily Kyle talks with licensed mental health therapist turned cannabis coach Laura Connelly about how cannabis intersects with mental health and overall wellness. Their conversation highlights practical, compassionate approaches to using cannabis as one tool among many for improving mood, managing stress, and supporting daily life.

Features

• Release Date: Monday, August 14, 2023
• Episode Number: Season 1, Episode 40
• Special Guest: Laura Connelly, founder of ElevatedWellnessCoach.com

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Why You Will Love This Episode

Laura Connelly brings a rare combination of clinical experience and lived experience with cannabis. In this episode she shares lessons from a 15-year relationship with the plant, describing how cannabis helped her navigate anxiety, depression, and anger and ultimately influenced both her personal life and professional path.

Laura opens up about the stigma she faced, what she calls coming out of the “green closet,” and how that shame shifted over time into a mission to help others. As a therapist, mother, and coach, she explains why transparency matters and how being honest about her own use allows clients to feel seen and understood.

The episode covers practical topics: how to start with cannabis for anxiety, the importance of starting low and going slow, how CBD and THC can be used together, and why tracking consumption is helpful. Laura also describes how cannabis can support physical wellness—reducing pain, aiding recovery, and even enhancing motivation for exercise when used thoughtfully.

Listeners will also hear about Laura’s coaching programs: a personalized eight-week plan that blends goal-setting and lifestyle work with cannabis education, plus shorter options for people who want guided support. Her approach emphasizes safety, patience, and customization so each person can find what works for their unique physiology and life circumstances.

Throughout, Laura’s story is one of resilience and authenticity. She explains how cannabis improved her relationships—especially with her son—and why she hopes to normalize thoughtful, responsible consumption so others can access these benefits without shame.

Full Transcript (Excerpt)

Laura: There are many ways cannabis can support wellness. It may not be a direct weight-loss supplement, but it can shift mindset and motivation so you feel more inclined to exercise and care for yourself.

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.

Tune in each week for real-life stories and practical guidance to help you feel connected, inspired, and supported on your cannabis journey—whether you’re new to cannabis or have used it for years.

Disclaimer: This content is intended for adult audiences and may discuss sensitive topics such as mental health, substance use, and explicit language. The information provided is educational and not medical advice. If the episode raises concerns for you, please reach out to a trusted professional.

Emily: Welcome back to the Well With Cannabis Podcast. Today I’m joined by Laura Connelly of Elevated Wellness Coaching. We cover cannabis, stigma, coming out of the green closet, and Laura’s transition from therapist to cannabis health coach.

Laura: I first encountered cannabis in college. Initially it was social, but after a traumatic experience I noticed it helped with anxiety and social comfort. Later, as a therapist, I saw clients reporting similar benefits and realized this wasn’t just my experience.

Emily: Did you ever feel shame about using cannabis as a professional and a parent?

Laura: Yes. I worried about stigma in my community and as a mom. But during the pandemic I began sharing openly—through blogging and video—and eventually left clinical therapy to become a cannabis health coach, helping others explore cannabis safely and effectively.

Laura: Anxiety is one of the most common issues cannabis can help with. It can calm a busy mind and aid sleep. Depression, grief, anger, and parenting stress are other areas where careful, personalized cannabis use can offer relief. The key is tailoring cannabinoids, strains, and dosing to the individual.

Emily: How does cannabis compare to pharmaceuticals?

Laura: Side effects with cannabis are often milder—sleepiness or increased appetite—compared with some pharmaceuticals that can cause severe adverse effects. That said, cannabis can also cause anxiety or paranoia at high THC doses, so starting low, going slow, and experimenting thoughtfully is essential.

Laura: I recommend beginning with CBD-forward or CBD-only products, tracking your experiences, and gradually adjusting. Keep a simple journal—notes app or a notebook—to record strain, dose, method, and effects. That data helps you find what reliably supports your goals.

Emily: How does cannabis fit into parenting?

Laura: Responsibly used, cannabis has helped me be a calmer, more present parent. It allows me to enjoy playtime and reduces snapping from stress. I talk openly with my son about what I use and why, distinguishing cannabis from harmful substances and offering honest, age-appropriate information.

Laura: My coaching program is an eight-week, one-on-one plan tailored to your goals—physical fitness, sleep, mental health, or daily routines—and how cannabis can be integrated safely. I also offer shorter options for people who want a lighter introduction.

Emily: Physically, cannabis can reduce pain and aid recovery, making movement more accessible. For many, it enhances motivation and enjoyment of exercise when dosed and selected properly.

Emily: Final rapid-fire questions: what are you most proud of?

Laura: I’m proud of showing up consistently—continuing to share my message despite setbacks—and of my son, who is my greatest joy.

Emily: How would life be different without cannabis?

Laura: It would feel darker and less joyful. Cannabis significantly shaped my life, career, and parenting in positive ways.

Emily: What advice would you give your younger self?

Laura: Be patient, trust your intuition, and avoid comparing your path to others.

Emily: How would you like to be remembered?

Laura: For breaking stigma and helping people feel confident and unashamed about using cannabis to improve their lives.

Laura: You can find me at ElevatedWellnessCoach.com where you can schedule a free call, and on Instagram as potheadplantmind. I also share content on YouTube and WeedTube.

Announcer: Thanks for listening to the Well With Cannabis Podcast. We hope this episode offered practical insight and inspiration for incorporating cannabis into a balanced wellness plan. Visit emilykylenutrition.com for show notes, resources, and community support.

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