Treating Grief + Medical Cannabis

Grief is a multifaceted emotional response to loss, manifesting uniquely in each individual and often unpredictably over time. Its symptoms can range widely, from profound sadness and withdrawal to confusion, anger, and physical symptoms, including fatigue and changes in appetite. Grief challenges the conventional understanding of a linear healing process. It can resurface during anniversaries or through seemingly unrelated events.

SYMPTOMS OF GRIEF

Grief is a normal and natural emotional reaction to loss or change of any kind. It can occur when a loved one is lost, a relationship ends, or a familiar pattern of behavior changes, like a job change.

Symptoms may present themselves physically, socially, mentally, emotionally, or spiritually. Some of the most common symptoms of grief include:

1. Guilt
2. PTSD
3. Fatigue
4. Anxiety
5. Insomnia
6. Depression
7. Headaches
8. Loss of appetite
9. Aches and pains
10. Isolation from friends and family

Understanding Grief

A popular notion of “the five stages of grief” (shock, denial, anger, bargaining, and acceptance) suggests a linear progression. This isn’t entirely accurate; the grieving process is highly individualized, with each person experiencing a unique mix of emotions without necessarily going through set stages. Grief presents more like a tumbleweed without any rhyme or reason when the expected and unexpected symptoms appear.

“As for our losses and gains, we have seen how often they are Inextricably mixed. There is plenty we have to give up in order to grow. We cannot deeply love anything without becoming vulnerable to loss. and we cannot become separate people, responsible people, connected people, reflective people without losing and leaving and letting go.”

– Judith Viorst

The Role of Cannabis in Managing Grief

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) regulates various bodily systems that impact mood, sleep, appetite, and memory, among other physiological processes. Cannabinoids, the active compounds found in cannabis, interact with this system by binding to cannabinoid receptors located throughout the body (CB1 and CB2 receptors). This interaction triggers the ECS, influencing a range of physiological responses—from managing pain and controlling nausea to modulating emotions such as joy and anxiety. When cannabis is consumed, these cannabinoids, i.e., THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol), activate these receptors, thereby affecting how we feel both physically and emotionally. Cannabis can be most effective when used during the grieving process, allowing personal reflection, easing social interactions as needed, and treating physical symptoms like insomnia and loss of appetite. 

Several of the grief symptoms listed above are qualifying conditions in most states with a medical cannabis program. It’s important to note that while cannabis may offer relief during mourning, it is not suitable for everyone and should be considered as one of many tools for coping with a trained and state-registered cannabis clinician.

Guidelines for Using Cannabis to Cope with Grief

1. Seek clinical treatment with a trained cannabis clinician. Oftentimes, a conventional healthcare provider may prescribe a pharmaceutical product that may be impacted by the body’s processing of plant-based drugs with synthetically produced drugs.
2. Start low. Go slow. This is always true with cannabinoid therapeutics. Begin with a low dosage to gauge the effect, adjusting as necessary to avoid discomfort.
3. Experiment with different cultivars (strains) with unique blends of cannabinoids and terpenes. Also, explore different consumption methods—smoking, vaping, or edibles—to find what best suits your individual needs.

Conclusion

While cannabis can aid in alleviating the distressing symptoms of grief, it should be approached as part of a broader strategy that includes professional guidance and supportive care. Grief is a deeply personal experience, and managing it requires a respectful acknowledgment of both the pain and the process.

Jacquie Cohen Roth, MS, is the Founder/CEO of CannabizMD. CannabizMD hosted the webinar on Zoom,  “Treating Grief + Medical Cannabis,” on Tuesday, May 21, from 1 pm  – 2 pm EST. During this webinar, medical cannabis clinical experts discuss how specific cannabinoids and terpenes can target symptoms such as anxiety, intrusive thoughts, and PTSD, offering a holistic approach to healing. The expert panel discussed evidence-based strategies, dosage considerations, and the integration of cannabis into comprehensive grief support programs.