CANNABIS THERAPY CONSTRUCTION, SELF-CULTIVATION AND SELF-CARE AS A WAY TO IMPROVE QUALITY OF LIFE: A CASE STUDY IN ARGENTINA.

Abstract

In the present work we addressed a case-example of cannabis therapy of a mother and her son diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Starting from previous studies on the network like construction of cannabis therapy based on “know-how” exchanges and classic Menéndez’s medical anthropology categories, we describe and analyze a contemporary case-example. The cannabis therapy experience reported efficiently improve health and life quality of the people who practice it, in a scenario where the hegemonic biomedical model did not seem to offer satisfactory answers. We propose that cannabis therapy could be included in self-care medical model and implies a construction of a “know-how” in the daily life, based on “trial and error”, with a certain autonomy and horizontal socialization. A different process from those based on scientific theories and methods that are the basis of biomedical therapies. It was also observed that the interaction with different instances of biomedicine presents a series of permanent transactions that is not univocal of rejection and subordination, but rather dynamic forms of interaction. The case-example shown here is part of other similar trajectories experienced by women mothers of children with pain and suffering, who are inserted into therapeutic cannabis networks of growing importance. Which makes it unavoidable to prioritize the non-professional know-how produced. In fact, in that proves, self-cultivation of the plant stands out as the key aspect to avoid commodification attempts and promote this health action with high therapeutic value.