Could This Plant Be the Key to Staying Grounded?

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When traditional therapy doesn't fully meet our needs as neurodivergent adults, what options do we have left? I’m not a doctor, therapist, or expert, but I am a mom who’s been through some things. For me, and maybe for some of you, the answer lies in an unexpected place: cannabis.

Now, before diving in, let me be clear—I’m not here to recommend, prescribe, or suggest what might work for you. I’m just sharing what I've experienced, researched, and stumbled upon as I’ve worked through my own healing journey. As someone who’s explored therapy and other tools to cope with the chaotic highs and lows of neurodivergent life, I’ve found that for many of us, the answer to grounding ourselves might look different than what society considers “normal.”

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The Limits of Traditional Therapy

Don’t get me wrong—therapy has been incredibly valuable for many people, myself included. It’s helped me face things I never would’ve tackled on my own, but even with its benefits, therapy can sometimes fall short. For neurodivergent folks, especially those of us dealing with sensory sensitivities, ADHD, or the unique mix of traits we bring to the table, the traditional therapeutic model can feel limiting. Therapy often addresses cognitive processing, which is huge, but what about those everyday moments when our bodies and brains are in overdrive, and we’re just trying to make it through the day? Here’s a helpful article on some benefits and limitations of therapy.

Why Cannabis? A Different Kind of Grounding

For some of us, cannabis offers a grounding effect that isn’t always achievable through typical mindfulness or grounding exercises. Personally, I find it easier to relax, enjoy time with my family, or even tackle stressful situations when I’ve had a small dose of cannabis. There’s something about the sensory calming effect of certain cannabinoids that can be game-changing for managing overwhelm and sensory overload.

Emerging studies suggest that certain cannabinoids might influence sensory regulation and help reduce stress for some users, though research is still early-stage. Check out this overview on the potential benefits of cannabinoids for mental health. While we’re still learning about exactly how cannabis affects the neurodivergent brain, some folks are finding real, tangible benefits from incorporating it into their routines.

Cannabis vs. Other Calming Practices: Why It’s Different

If you’ve ever tried a grounding exercise like deep breathing or mindfulness, you know it’s a powerful tool—but it also takes practice, time, and patience. Cannabis can offer a shortcut to that same calm, though it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Some people swear by meditation; others find relief in a nature walk. For me, the effects of cannabis seem to settle my mind and body almost instantly, especially in moments when I can’t sit still or focus.

Think of it as another tool in the toolkit. Some of us might need that additional support to quiet the sensory overload and tune back into our bodies. It’s worth mentioning, though, that while cannabis is legal in some places, it’s not legal everywhere, and it’s essential to use it responsibly and to know your own limits.

Is Cannabis a ‘Crutch’ or a Legitimate Tool?

This is the part where opinions get spicy. There’s still a lot of stigma surrounding cannabis, particularly for parents or people who have responsibilities. The word “crutch” gets thrown around, implying that we’re somehow weak for needing a little extra help. But here’s a question: isn’t any coping mechanism we rely on technically a “crutch”?

Cannabis isn’t about avoiding our problems; it’s a tool that helps some of us be more present, grounded, and capable in our daily lives. If you find relief from cannabis, as I have, there’s no shame in that. It’s all about finding what works for you and acknowledging that healing and balance look different for everyone.

Safe Exploration and Making Informed Choices

If you’re considering cannabis, here’s my advice (again, as a mom who’s been on her own journey, not as an expert): Start small, do your research, and remember that it’s okay to seek help in a way that makes sense to you. Cannabis isn’t a replacement for other coping mechanisms—it’s just another option in the mental health toolkit that some of us find helpful.

There are a lot of strong feelings about cannabis, and I get it. I want to hear your perspective! Whether you’re curious about trying it, think it’s just a trend, or already use it as part of your routine, your input matters.

If you’re ready to go deeper into this topic, don’t miss this week’s edition of Cali Sober Confidential! I’ll be sharing more personal reflections, insights, and the science behind grounding practices for neurodivergent adults. Plus, be sure to check out our latest podcast episode for a more laid-back, mom-to-mom chat. We’re keeping it real and unfiltered—just the way it should be.

With gratitude and purpose,
Monica Olano