Medical Marijuana for Hospice & End of Life Care

Medical marijuana has increasingly become an option for individuals seeking relief from symptoms associated with chronic conditions. In the context of hospice and end-of-life care, the therapeutic potential of cannabis is receiving growing recognition. For patients facing terminal illness or undergoing palliative care, medical marijuana might offer a natural way to alleviate distressing symptoms and improve their overall quality of life.

How Marijuana Can Help with End of Life Care?

Patients in hospice or receiving end-of-life care often experience a range of debilitating symptoms. These might include:

• Chronic pain: Severe discomfort is a common experience for those in hospice, often due to terminal conditions like cancer. Medical marijuana may help reduce pain perception, offering an alternative or supplement to traditional pain medications.
• Anxiety and depression: Facing a terminal diagnosis often comes with significant emotional distress. Cannabis, particularly strains higher in CBD, is believed to provide relief from anxiety, potentially allowing patients to feel calmer during this challenging phase.
• Trouble sleeping: Insomnia or difficulty sleeping is another common issue in hospice care. Cannabis, especially Indica strains or products containing a higher amount of THC, may assist with better sleep quality by inducing relaxation and drowsiness.
• Nausea and loss of appetite: Many patients undergoing end-of-life care experience difficulty eating, whether due to illness or treatment side effects. Medical marijuana is well-known for its appetite-stimulating effects, which can help patients maintain their strength and nutrition.

For individuals in hospice, the goal of care is not to cure the underlying illness but to manage symptoms and maintain the best quality of life possible. This aligns with the concept of palliative care, which focuses on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of a serious illness. While not a cure, medical marijuana might be a useful part of a patient’s palliative care regimen, helping them experience greater comfort during the final stages of life.

Can You Get a Medical Marijuana Card for Being in Hospice Care?

In the U.S., Louisiana, Montana, and New Mexico are currently the only states that specifically list “hospice care” as a qualifying condition for medical marijuana use. However, many other states allow medical marijuana for conditions or symptoms commonly associated with hospice and end-of-life care, such as chronic pain, anxiety, and insomnia.

It’s important to note that some hospice facilities may have restrictions on the use of medical marijuana, especially in states where the use of cannabis is still heavily regulated. In these cases, patients may be required to use non-inhalation forms of medical marijuana, such as tinctures, oils, or edibles, which can be taken discreetly and without smoking.

If you are considering medical marijuana for yourself or a loved one, it’s essential to understand the regulations in your state. The Sanctuary Wellness Institute operates in several states that permit the use of medical marijuana for qualifying conditions. For more detailed information, see our interactive map on Marijuana Laws by State.

How to Get Medical Marijuana for a Loved One in Hospice?

If a loved one in hospice care is considering medical marijuana, a medical marijuana caregiver may be appointed to obtain and administer the cannabis on their behalf. This option can be especially helpful for elderly or otherwise incapacitated individuals who may not be able to obtain medical marijuana on their own.

Caregivers can apply for authorization through the same process that a qualifying patient would, but it’s important to consult your state’s specific rules and regulations, as the process can vary significantly. Caregivers should also work closely with the patient’s medical team to ensure that cannabis is used in conjunction with their existing treatment plan.

For those navigating the process of obtaining medical marijuana in a hospice context, The Sanctuary Wellness Institute is here to help. If you’re located in a state where we offer services, we can assist with applying for a medical marijuana card and ensuring that you or your loved one can access cannabis for end-of-life care. To learn more, check out our page on medical marijuana for terminal illness.