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We already know that cannabis can help with a wide array of mental health issues. But can it support us when we are in the complex and ever-changing stages of grief? Grief is unlike any other mental health issue. Due to the fact that it has an external and usually devastating origin, it is a little less predictable and relies less on our internal chemistry which cannabis affects. However, many of the side effects of grief are regularly helped by the use of cannabis. We experience depression, anxiety, trauma, stress, and a variety of other issues. We already know that many of these can be lessened by using cannabis. However, it may not be as easy as just having a smoke and letting things happen, you may need to use weed in a careful and responsible way to ensure that you’re actually using it to heal.
Grief
So obviously if we are going to talk about coping with grief we need to understand grief. Whether your loss is expected or sudden, the idea of a loved one no longer existing is extremely hard for a brain to cope with. It’s not like normal sadness, it’s a complete change in your reality. This means that the effect on your brain is unpredictable. Some people go completely numb, some sink into a deep depression, some lose their ability to process and others simply don’t allow the news to really sink in. The advice is to try not to control your grief but to just allow your body to do what it needs to do while your brain rewires itself. The brain could experience grief for years and if you don’t allow your body to work through it naturally it could cause severe long term side-effects. Grief can also cause physical pain as well as mental which will increase the effect on your day to day life. This is a very brief overview of grief but it gives us an idea of what we are dealing with.
How Weed Can Help With Grief
Many people turn to coping methods during grief that work quickly but may not be positive in the long run. For example using alcohol or stimulant drugs can seriously mess with your brain though they feel like they are helping. As someone who deals with depression and addiction I can tell you first hand that when the initial up wears off you will have to suddenly deal with grief while having every last endorphin milked from your body. So though it seems like it’s helping you cope you’re going to make everything much worse extremely quickly. Cannabis however, is often used to help cope with mental and physical health issues that may crop up during the grieving period. You don’t tend to get a hangover or come down with cannabis but over time it can actually improve your mental and physical state.
How To Use Cannabis To Cope With Grief
Now let’s look at the healthiest ways to use cannabis to deal with the different aspects of grief. Obviously grief is extremely complex but weed isn’t without its complexities either. For example if you are experiencing extreme fatigue from lack of sleep or nightmares smoking an indica isn’t going to help. In fact, it’ll make things much worse. Then some strains that are perfect for dealing with depression could be awful for dealing with anxiety. So the first thing you need to do is research your strains and find the perfect strain to fit your current symptoms.
The next thing we have to consider usage overall, being constantly stoned is not going to help you go about your life during grief. I know it’s very hard but you have to try and monitor your usage, don’t go overboard. Sure you won’t likely have any mental or physical issues but if your life becomes sedentary and you start letting everything go it will worsen your mental state overall.
Cannabis is often therapeutic because it helps you untangle the writhing mass of sparking Christmas lights that has become your brain. With so much going on in your head it’s no wonder you just become flat and exhausted. Then symptoms such as depression, anxiety etc. just make everything so much harder. Weed gives you breathing room when everything is trying to pile up and smother you. It can be so much easier to deal with loss when you have space to think and a rest from all of the intense emotions that you’re feeling.
Best Strains For Grief
Green Crack – This one is a classic for anyone who is struggling with depression, exhaustion, difficulty focusing, etc. It’s exactly what it says on the label, a super uplifting and energetic cannabis strain that can give you the energy jolt you need to get through the day. It isn’t just packed with energy but it is cerebral and stimulating so if you have to do some work that involves thinking or just want to get creative and can’t focus it’s perfect. If you are a songwriter, poet, artist, whatever I genuinely recommend trying to channel your emotions into something creative.
Night Nurse – This baby is basically the exact opposite of Green Crack. This is for those who have been finding sleep or any kind of relaxation impossible. Sometimes just the ability to sit down and watch a film without your brain constantly taking you to dark places is a luxury while grieving. Night nurse is a chill and comfortable strain that will cuddle your brain and your body into a comfy little snooze nest. It is high CBD and low THC so it gives you all the chill of a strong indica without the mind bending psychological effects. You will feel basically sober but like you just got out of a lavender scented warm bath.
Girl Scout Cookies – This final strain is so popular because she is just uplifting and can help you bring a tiny bit of joy back into your life. Perfect for getting back out there and socialising, making sure you stay connected with your support system, and helping you realise that you can be happy again.
Written by Tasha Porritt
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