Nick Ward
Sitting under the harsh fluorescent lights of my doctor’s office, I realized I had to make a change. He’d just finished reviewing the results of my annual checkup. “You’re on the edge,” he said. “Your blood pressure’s high enough that if you don’t make some changes, you’ll be on medication for the rest of your life.” That landed like a punch to the gut. I walked out of that room feeling scared. But also oddly clear. I didn’t want to accept that future. So I promised myself something different.
I’ve started and re-started countless exercise routines. I’ve done the meal prep thing. The green smoothie thing. The 10k steps per day thing.Some seasons were steady. Others? Not so much. I’ve fallen off track more than once—especially during stressful periods with work, family, or global chaos. But one thing I never did was give up. I kept remaking that promise because I knew that consistent effort would pay off even if it wasn’t perfect.
Each time I drift, I come back—because I’ve already made the decision that my health mattered more than anything. It’ not about perfection. It’s about having tools and practices I can return to when things get tough. For me, that includes weightlifting, walking, tennis, breathwork, balanced eating, hydration, and yes…cannabis. We were taught to associate cannabis with laziness, forgetfulness, or rebellion. But the truth is far more nuanced—and far more empowering. For me, cannabis has been a quiet ally. Not a crutch. Not a fad. But a support system I can turn to when I need it. Sometimes that means a puff before a long walk or tennis match to loosen my joints, sometimes it’s a topical cannabis cream to soothe a lower back tenderized from years on the rugby pitch. It’s a regular part of my wind-down ritual after a long day. Mental health and happiness are just as important to health as eating the right foods and exercising.
I’ll be honest with you: Infusing workouts and wellness with cannabis hasn’t been without some painful lessons. Like the time I took one too many pulls from a vape before weightlifting and dropped a 40-kilo dumbbell on my big toe. Let’s just say that was not my most mindful movement moment. But I’ve also had days where a small dose of CBD or a balanced THC/CBD product helped me power through a slump or reconnect with my body in a healthy way.
The trick—especially if you’re over 50—isn’t to “get high.” It’s to feel better. More focused. More present. Less weighed down by aches, anxiety, or restless energy. I’ve come to believe that cannabis is not a shortcut—but it can be a lever that helps us:
- Stay active without pain
- Sleep more deeply
- Feel less overwhelmed
- Reconnect with the body instead of fighting against it
It’s also a tool that can be paired with other wellness practices like meditation, cardio and strength exercise, stretching, or time in nature. For me, those combinations are where the magic happens.
If you’re new to cannabis—or just curious—there are safe, gentle ways to explore.
Start with CBD. It’s virtually non-intoxicating and widely used for inflammation, anxiety, and sleep support. You can find it in creams, oils, beverages, or low-dose capsules.
For a deeper effect, try 1:1 products (equal parts THC and CBD). These are often used to relieve pain, reduce social anxiety and recover from exercise.
Most importantly: listen to your body. Talk to your healthcare provider. Ask questions at your local dispensary. And give yourself permission to be curious.
That doctor’s appointment years ago was a wake-up call. But it wasn’t just about lowering my blood pressure. It was about reclaiming ownership over my body—and my story. Today, I’m still working on keeping that promise. I’m not chasing perfection. I’m building resilience. And cannabis? It’s part of that toolkit.
A misunderstood plant that has been legalized, and has helped me live a life that feels strong, sustainable, and real. If you’re navigating wellness after 50, know this: You don’t have to figure it out alone. There are tools, support systems, and people ready to walk alongside you.
