Debbie Cochran, Orange County and Los Angeles based business owner, founded Go Terpy after being diagnosed with Fibromyalgia and Arthritis and learning to manage these issues with cannabis. Candid Chronicle connected with Debbie to find out more about her experiences with healing, owning a cannabis company, and her expectations for the industry.
How did you get involved in the cannabis industry?
I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia and Arthritis in my neck and knee over ten years ago. I saw the specialist who put me on many pharmaceuticals from Neurontin, Lyrica, antidepressants, Ambien, Soma, and other muscle relaxers, Oxycodone to the Fentanyl patch, 800mg of Ibuprofen 3x a day Ambien to sleep and Ativan. All the pharmaceuticals did was completely take my life, keep me un bed, and took the ability to be the mom I wanted and needed to still be still at that time. I learned about Prop 215 and got my Cannabis rec. I started smoking cannabis flower, and in a short time, I no longer needed the opioids for pain. I also started medicating with edibles. I need a high dose of 200-300mg at night for sleep and get off of Ambien. That, for me, became unaffordable. I worked for other Cannabis companies and learned about CBD. I tried many and found whole-plant worked best for my symptoms. I studied and took some classes and learned about the power of terpenes and their potential medicinal values along with strengthening the medicinal effects by what’s called the entourage effect. In time we made the right blend. Go Terpy was created. I’ve been using all cannabis and Go Terpy for over five years now. I’m off all pharmaceuticals. I have a life back, and a company to now be able to help others with chronic pain, anxiety, depression, sleep problems, and overall health.
How and why did you start Go Terpy?
I was the chemist behind our terpene blend. I started to work in the cannabis and CBD industry to get me and keep me off pharmaceuticals drugs.
What sets you apart in the cannabis industry?
I am also a patient. Fibromyalgia is complex with many potential symptoms. Nerve pain is a very hard issue to treat. I believe we’ve created products that can help many people with different ailments. We care very much about our patients and the quality of our products.
What life changes occurred when you entered the cannabis industry?
Cannabis and CBD have enabled me to treat my Fibromyalgia and Arthritis naturally without nasty side effects of pharmaceuticals that leave you needing yet another pill to treat that side effect.
Debbie Cochran of Go Terpy.
What about the cannabis industry and community do you love?
The people and the oneness within the community of a common goal. Freedom with cannabis and free from pharmaceuticals. I’m thankful to the cannabis community and the backs of all those who have paved the way for what we have today. I learned a lot from many people in the industry over many, many years.
Do you have any frustrations, hopes, fears as cannabis changes?
My hope for the future is the true freedom of the plant. I hope to be able to reach more patients and share how you can treat chronic pain naturally. Free all those incarcerated that made all this possible for all of us. I hope for a time where all patients can choose freely and affordably to treat themselves with plant medicine.
What were some of your challenges getting started in cannabis?
I don’t fit the stereotypical mold of the stoner stereotype most of us grew up on. Fast Times At Ridgemont High and Cheech and Chong are what a lot of society relates to cannabis use. I’ve worked the cannabis industry for many years from learning from growing, cloning, and working for other cannabis companies. I’ve worked under and learned from many great people in the industry. I didn’t have lots of money or any investors. I started a CBD company, Go Terpy, from all I learned along the way.
Where would you like to see yourself in the cannabis industry three years from now?
Sharing my journey and continuing to help and break the stigma around cannabis by sharing and speaking publicly about my cannabis journey and how it can help others. To help teach about the power of terpenes, and CBD with Go Terpy.
What does the future of cannabis look like to you?
My hope is for Federal legalization for true freedom of cannabis. I see a future of more people learning and turning to natural plant-based alternatives like cannabis and hemp.
How do you plan to make a positive difference in the cannabis industry?
I’m open about my use of cannabis to try and help break the stigma as well as show others another way that’s natural and doesn’t cause harm or nasty side effects of pharmaceuticals. To show you that cannabis and hemp in a different light of wellness.
What makes you proud or gratified to be a part of the “legal” cannabis industry?
To see others that wouldn’t have normally looked at cannabis as an alternative option to treat their pain, anxiety and other ailments. It’s so awesome to see all ages and types of people now know looking at cannabis as a real alternative to many pharmaceutical drugs and finding relief.
Do you consume cannabis? If so, how do you prefer to consume?
My favorite way is flower using a bong. I also use to dab and edibles. I use CBD 2-3x daily, along with my cannabis use.
What’s your favorite strain, cannabis product, etc?
A few of my favorite strains are Double Cup, Sin Mint, Wedding Cake, and Cherry Pie. For my pain and other symptoms, I prefer hybrids indica dominant or all indica. My favorite CBD is Go Terpy full spectrum tincture.
Is there anything else you would like to tell us about yourself or your business?
I am excited to be living in a time where I can now openly help others in their journey with cannabis and CBD. Go Terpy is a team of patients, and some have been in the industry for a very long time. We pride ourselves on bringing patients one of the best CBD oil products with our patent-pending terp blend available. It’s my dream to see Go Terpy all over the world, getting people off pills and helping people heal and live their best lives!
