July 02, 2025

Episode 455: When Seconds Matter—Cannabis Bias Nearly Cost Her Husband His Life

38 minutes

Show Notes:

00:11 – Ian introduces Caitlin Bellucci, wife of stroke survivor Ian McGann, to share her perspective on the medical emergency
01:21 – Caitlin describes the evening of the stroke and the first signs something was wrong
03:36 – Calling 911, recognizing stroke symptoms, and the consequences of disclosing cannabis use
05:23 – Holding Ian on his side, managing their dog, and getting minimal support from emergency services
07:41 – EMTs arrive with bias, poor care, and judgment about cannabis; slow response delays critical treatment
10:24 – Ian and Caitlin are treated differently because of cannabis—despite its legality and medical use
11:28 – Botched bloodwork, offensive remarks, and Caitlin’s growing frustration with EMS incompetence
13:08 – Caitlin’s inability to accompany Ian in the ambulance, and her distressing experience at the hospital
14:07 – Finding Ian neglected and cold; Caitlin forced to clean him herself without proper supplies
17:34 – Background on Caitlin and Ian’s relationship and how their bond helped in the crisis
18:33 – Doctors’ arrogance and dismissiveness, mislabeling Ian as a drug user or suicidal
21:13 – Intervention by Ian’s sister (a doctor) prompts hospital staff to finally take action
22:20 – Ian is eventually airlifted to a better facility after hours of dangerous delays
22:24 – How Ian’s personality and abilities changed after the stroke—and how they now relate differently
25:28 – Caitlin describes how much worse Ian’s condition could have been without advocacy
27:39 – Cannabis remains essential to Ian’s recovery—including topicals—despite institutional resistance
28:47 – Ian and Caitlin reflect on how Cannabis Health Radio’s focus on real stories helps break stigma
29:01 – Caitlin’s advice: be strong, question doctors, and don’t blindly accept medical bias
32:52 – Comparing cannabis stigma to historical prohibition; the role of money and agendas
34:26 – Cannabis helps Ian manage pain and function in daily life
35:15 – Caitlin’s final message to families: protect your loved one’s healing space from judgment and interference
36:30 – Ian and Caitlin reflect on similar stories shared on CHR where family support—or lack of it—determined outcomes