Misjudged and Misunderstood: The Truth Behind the Desperation Plant
- Elucidation Strategies
- Jul 2
- 2 min read
What happens when we get "desperate?"

Desperation is defined as:Â
"a state of despair, typically one which results in rash or extreme behavior."
Desperation is associated with awful circumstances, where options are limited and consequences are grave. That's when we arrive at compromised decision-making and risk-taking. That's how many people find their way to the "desperation plant."Â
For some, cannabis is a last resort. Cannabis is the desperation plant. Â
When everything else has been tried and there's nothing left to lose, some turn to plant medicine for relief from the big-deal thing that they are facing. A serious physical illness, a debilitating mental health condition, a tough struggle with addiction, a challenging time in life - when hope is nearly lost, that's when the desperates are willing to try anything. Â
What's the most common reaction that we hear from those who turn to cannabis out of desperation?Â
"I wish I had tried it sooner. Much sooner."
Why is that a common reaction? Â
The cannabis reputation is negative and, for some, downright scary.
For many who turn to cannabis when nothing else helps, there's a belief that terrible habits are right around the corner. That productive people become lazy, that trustworthy people become suspect, that moral people become evil - that the plant can undo good in people and turn them bad.Â
Spoiler alert: It doesn't. Â
Those "I wish I had tried it sooner" people, they want you to know - it's not what you think it is. Even though you've been taught about marijuana as a Gateway Drug that leads to other substances, it's not true. Even though cannabis is labeled as a Schedule 1 substance that has zero medicinal value and the highest potential for abuse, it's not true. Even though you've been told for decades that marijuana use undoubtedly leads to harm, it's not true. Â
Responsible cannabis usage does change many lives. The desperate people who turned to cannabis as a last resort want you to know that. They want you to know that their quality of life improved, that wellness increased, and that cannabis should have been part of the conversation sooner. Â
Cannabis may not be for you, BUT it should be included in the options when individuals are investigating how to manage their own health and wellness. The "desperation plant" label is undeserved. Â
If you need more proof, let us know. We'll send you the name, number, email, and an open invitation for contact from a person who turned to the desperation plant and found the results to be impactful, positive, and even miraculous. This is how we change the narrative. Let's connect those who know to those who want to know more.
-Angela, Founder of Elucidation
Contact Elucidation Strategies for cannabis educational services.