About Me
Clients often tell me they are overwhelmed by choices or they’ve tried cannabis before and “it didn’t work” or “it made them sick”. When they walk into a dispensary they don’t even know what questions they should be asking. Their healthcare provider isn’t always a good source of knowledge when it comes to cannabis.
Cannabis is still classified as a schedule I drug, making it federally illegal. This status has a profound impact on limiting our ability to do extensive research on the plant or teach about it in formalized medical training.
Medical professionals haven’t been formally trained in professional education to understand the endocannabinoid system (these are the receptors in the body that make cannabis so effective) so when patients ask about cannabis, the response is varied.
Some medical professionals don’t know that there are hundreds of strains of cannabis and terpenes to consider, or that there’s more than one way to consume cannabis, each with its own absorption rate. Some medical professionals are still skeptical about cannabis’ effectiveness in treating pain, depression, anxiety, inflammation and other chronic conditions.
Nickson Toussaint
Nickson Toussaint is a dispensary staff trainer with prior experience as a Assistant General Manager and Patient Services Manager at a dispensary.
He incorporates his prior management experience at Ritz Carlton to also train in the guest experience to increase patient satisfaction and retention rates.
Melinda is the most knowledgeable person I’ve ever come across on the topic of medical marijuana. MariCare patients are blessed to have access to such a wonderful resource!
Devyn N.
Why Trust Me?
Believe me when I say, I get it.
When I started to learn about cannabis, I spent every spare hour I could on how it affected the body, how it helped different health conditions, trying to understand why edibles could cause more intense side effects than the same dose taken a different route.
All these years of learning about cannabis have been enlightening and rewarding. I’ve seen cannabis dramatically change the health and wellbeing of my own patients.
In the new WildWestWorld of medical marijuana, Melinda Toussaint put a human face on a process which, up to this point has been impersonal and met with skepticism by others. I had a very informative and relaxing interview. I highly recommend this medical group for not only medical marijuana recommendations but general wellness.
Bill N.
Why Cannabis?
The cannabis plant itself is amazing and has so many parts and properties to it. I know you might’ve heard of hemp, CBD and THC (the psychoactive ingredient that can make people feel high), but did you know that there is CBG, CBC, CBN, CBDV, CBGV and more?
And then there are terpenes. There are over 100 cannabinoids and more than 200 known terpenes in cannabis (and more being discovered) that can affect the body in different ways. For instance the terpene, Myrcene, reduces inflammation and chronic pain, so I may recommend strains that contain this for my patients who have this as their biggest health goal. The terpene, Limonene, improves mood and relieves stress.
Don’t know what a terpene is?
It’s ok.. That’s why I’m here for you. This is what you will learn during your consultation with me.
You don’t have to know about all 200+ terpenes, because that is where my years of education in cannabis come into play. We will just focus on your health goals and then we can work with a select number of strains to choose from. This is all part of what I do.
Discover 8 Terpenes And Their Benefits
Nerolidol
Found in blueberries
Benefits – sedative, antifungal, skin protectant
Limonene
Found in lemons
Benefits – Immune stimulant, antidepressant, anti-anxiety
Phytol
Found in green tea
Benefits – anti-insomnia
Myrecene
Found in mango
Benefits – anti-inflammatory, sedative, pain relief
Linalool
Found in lavender
Benefits – anticonvulsant, sedative
Alpha-Pinene
Found in pine needles
Benefits – anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, memory aid
Caryophyllene oxide
Found in black pepper
Benefits – antifungal
Beta-Caryophyllene
Found in thai basil
Benefits – anti-inflammatory, cell protectant
During this visit, I was able to get information that will help me in my quest to better manage my chronic pain
Alice T.
My Goal
My goal is to help my clients achieve their health goals, find relief from pain, live without depression or anxiety. They are lofty goals, and I don’t claim that cannabis can solve everything, but it may be a step in the right direction of providing relief to your health issues.
Let me help you find the right cannabis strain for your health condition, the best way to consume it, and the optimal dose that you should take.
It’s a partnership when you work with me, and we’re in it together.
SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION
Are you a medical professional or industry worker looking for education and training in medical cannabis? I provide best in class half-day and full-day workshops, 1:1 and small group training, as well as keynote presentations for your office, dispensary or event.
Medical Cannabis Consulting for Patients
Choose the right strain in the right amount to improve the symptoms of your current health condition
Cannabis Education For Medical Professionals Training
Understand the complexities of how cannabis works and helps so many different health conditions
Understanding Health Cannabis For Cannabis Industry Workers
Answer client questions and help them navigate the complexities of cannabis selection or know when to refer them to a cannabis consultant
Keynote Speaking and Interviews
Melinda is frequently asked to host workshops, events or provide commentary for interviews? Contact us for availability and rates.