Case0000001

Description: Anxiety Associated with Dying
Medical Condition: Cancer
Symptoms: Anxiety, Insomnia Cancer
Breast, female
Abstract
54 year old woman dying of metastatic breast cancer, restless and anxious and confused – requiring regular doses of Ativan for minimal relief but not able to communicate with family due to side effects of the benzodiazepine.
Patient information
Gender
Female
Age
45-54
Brief history and target symptomatology
Four year h/o metastatic breast cancer, in liver failure and within 4 days of dying. Had a history of anxiety disorder well managed by occasional benzodiazepines. Was not a cannabis user previous to chemotherapy; resistant to using during chemotherapy. Did not like the ‘wooziness’ side effects. Agitated, restless, and anxious about the rapidity of her demise.
Previous and current conventional therapies
Ativan (lorazepam), liquid morphine.
Tried THC cannabis and did not like side effects during chemo.
Tried CBD-Rich cannabis and reported rapid and complete relief from chemotherapy side effects (nausea, dizziness, GI pain and anxiety).
Clinical response to Cannabis
Given CBD-Rich cannabis in honey-butter edible mode of administration. After first dose of CBD butter did not require any more lorazepam. Was able to communicate her needs and rest without side effects.
Additional Comments
She ran out of the CBD butter and her caregivers attempted to give her THC butter. After a single dose she refused any more, saying that it made her woozy. CBD was obtained and was sufficient until she died.
Cannabis
Usual method of Cannabis administration
Ingested
Cannabis strain (if known)
Harlequin
Frequency of Usage: Time Per Day
3
Frequency of Usage: Days per Week
3