Cannabis Therapy
Trauma doesn’t just live in the mind—it’s etched into the nervous system, keeping the body locked in cycles of fight, flight, freeze, or collapse. When the autonomic nervous system (ANS) remains stuck in survival mode, traditional talk therapy often struggles to reach the depths where true healing can unfold. This is where Cannabis-Assisted Psychotherapy (CAP) offers a profound shift.
Unlike recreational or medicinal use, cannabis—when intentionally woven into a therapeutic setting—acts as a catalyst, gently disrupting the default mode network (DMN) of the brain. This shift creates an opportunity for the nervous system to unwind, allowing deeply held trauma to surface, process, and ultimately resolve.
Served in a mindful therapeutic container, cannabis amplifies awareness of thought patterns and has a unique ability to drop us into the body, guiding awareness to the sensations and emotional imprints stored in the ANS. The unique effects of cannabis, such as a cascading sense of relaxation through the mind and body, cerebral creativity, time and ego distortion, and an embodied feeling of boundlessness, help create ripe conditions for clients to make contact with their present felt experience. This is where trauma-informed somatic therapy comes into play—offering a grounded framework to explore dissociation, nervous system, dysregulation, or states of collapse with compassionate support.
Through this synergistic approach, the nervous system is invited to find its natural rhythm again, moving from chronic hypervigilance or shutdown into a state of equilibrium and balance. Conscious focus with cannabis helps guide awareness to the body’s unfinished physical response and loose ends from trauma. Utilizing somatic modalities such as IFS, Hakomi, Gestalt and more help bring visceral clarity to that trauma’s accompanying beliefs, stories, patterns of behavior and blockages. Research has shown that CAP can be particularly effective in helping individuals process and integrate trauma-induced dissociative states—offering a deeper, more embodied healing experience than traditional talk therapy alone.
As with all psychedelics, cannabis is not the magic bullet—but it is a powerful tool. With the support of a psychedelic and trauma informed therapist, cannabis can become a key to unlocking the body’s innate capacity to heal, transforming trauma from something we endure into something we transcend.
What to Expect in a Cannabis-Assisted Psychotherapy Session?
A Cannabis-Assisted Psychotherapy (CAP) session is a guided journey into deep self-exploration, where the intentional use of cannabis enhances therapeutic work in a profound and embodied way.
The process begins by entering a gentle altered state of consciousness with the support of cannabis, while remaining present and engaged. Under the guidance of an experienced therapist, the session unfolds as an active and introspective exploration of thoughts, emotions, and somatic sensations. Participants are invited to wear an eye mask during some or most of their sessions so they can focus on their inner experience, and soft music is often played to support a deepening into the senses and emotions.
Cannabis can disrupt the Default Mode Network (DMN), helping to soften habitual thought patterns and lower the defenses of the conscious mind. As rational filters relax, the psyche gains access to deeper layers of unconscious material, repressed emotions, and intergenerational trauma.
Emerging research in epigenetics suggests that trauma is not only a psychological experience but can be biologically inherited, altering how the autonomic nervous system (ANS) responds to stress in future generations. Experiences such as war, displacement, famine, systemic oppression, or familial abuse can leave biochemical imprints that shape nervous system regulation, often manifesting as chronic anxiety, hypervigilance, emotional detachment, or nervous system shutdown. Through CAP, individuals can access, process, and release these inherited patterns, allowing the nervous system to shift from survival mode into a more balanced and regulated state.
Sessions typically last 2.5 to 3 hours, allowing ample time for exploration and therapeutic engagement. Following the session, a structured integration process helps the individual make sense of their experience—translating insights into lasting emotional, psychological, and somatic healing. With professional support, these breakthroughs can be woven into daily life, fostering a deeper sense of balance, resilience, and self-awareness.
Medical Recommendation:
Cannabis is a legal substance in WA State, it does not need to be prescribed.
However, to safely utilize this medicine in therapy, please make an appointment with Jenia Malysh PMHMP , or find your own doctors at Psychedelic Support for a medical recommendation to ensure this medicine can support your current mental health needs. Through a medical recommendation, you can also get the best medical cannabis available in your area. Your purchases will also be tax free with a medical recommendation.
Disclaimer Notice for Cannabis-Assisted Therapy
Cannabis has the potential for addiction; according to the CDC, approximately 3 in 10 individuals who use cannabis may develop cannabis use disorder. Individuals currently experiencing a dependency on cannabis are not eligible for Cannabis-Assisted Psychotherapy (CAP). Research indicates that breaking the cycle of cannabis addiction can take several weeks to months, depending on individual circumstances. For clients engaged in CAP, we ask that you refrain from frequent cannabis use outside of designated therapeutic sessions to ensure a focused and supportive environment for deep emotional work.
If you feel you may need assistance in addressing cannabis addiction, therapy support is available to help you through this process. As a plant medicine, we encourage you to view CAP as an opportunity to cultivate a healthier relationship with cannabis—one that supports your overall wellness rather than detracts from it.