309. Pain Relief That Lets You Move Again

309. Pain Relief That Lets You Move Again

From How to Do the Pot by Ellen Scanlon

October 7, 2025 · 25 min

About this episode

This episode discusses safer pain relief options, focusing on cannabis and its benefits over opioids.

Are you or someone you love looking for safer ways to ease pain—especially the kind that keeps you from moving or exercising? In this episode, host Ellen Scanlon talks with Anna Symonds, a former elite rugby player who first discovered the pain-relief benefits of cannabis after years of sports injuries, and Dr. Deondra Asike, an anesthesiologist and pain-management specialist. You’ll hear Anna’s firsthand story of shifting away from prescription painkillers, and Dr. Asike’s clear explanation of how cannabinoids work in the body’s pain pathways—and why cannabis is often a safer option than opioids. We also look at the bigger picture: why chronic pain sidelines millions of Americans, the risks of relying on opioids, and how more athletes and doctors are leading a move toward plant-based recovery options. Liked this episode? Try these: 304. Can Cannabis Actually Make Exercise Easier? 306. Practical Tips from Cannabis Experts on Exercise & Recovery Hosted by Ellen Scanlon Sign up for Ellen’s newsletter on Substack at or at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠dothepot.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@dothepot⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ / YouTube: @dothepot FB…

People in this episode

Host: Ellen Scanlon

Guests: Anna Symonds, Dr. Deondra Asike

Topics covered

  • pain relief
  • cannabis
  • chronic pain
  • opioids
  • athletes
  • plant-based recovery

Keywords

  • pain relief
  • cannabis
  • opioids
  • chronic pain
  • athletes
  • recovery
  • pain management

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: How to Do the Pot

More episodes of How to Do the Pot

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the How to Do the Pot podcast page.