Jessimae Peluso Uses Cannabis and Comedy to Navigate Grief and Build Community

Jessimae Peluso, a comedian known for her work on MTV's Girl Code, has found a unique way to process grief through comedy and cannabis. Following the loss of both her parents, Peluso turned to humor and cannabis not to escape her pain, but to face it directly. Her approach has resonated with many, leading her to rebrand her podcast into 'Dying Laughing,' a space dedicated to exploring grief and mental health

Peluso's journey into using cannabis as a tool for healing began in the last decade, despite not having used it during her high school years. She describes cannabis not as an escape, but as a companion that helped her stay present during her father's illness. The plant allowed her to slow down and fully experience her emotions, transforming her relationship with cannabis from recreational to relational

The comedian's openness about her grief has fostered a sense of community among her audience. Fans began reaching out to her, sharing their own stories of loss, which inspired Peluso to create a platform where these conversations could take place. Her podcast, 'Dying Laughing,' is not about making light of death, but about finding a way to laugh with grief, rather than suffer through it

Peluso emphasizes that grief is a universal experience, yet deeply personal. She offers no quick fixes but instead provides a space for people to share their stories and find solace. Her approach is grounded in the idea that humor can be a survival mechanism, helping to process pain without trivializing it. This perspective has attracted guests like Sarah Barthel and John Stamos, who share their own experiences with loss

Looking ahead, Peluso envisions expanding her work into live events and seminars focused on grief and healing. She sees these as opportunities to bring people together, offering tools and experiences that highlight the blessings and joys on the other side of loss. Her aim is to create a unique space that combines laughter, community, and healing

Peluso's belief in the transformative power of grief is both profound and personal. She describes grief as a gift, albeit one that can feel like a curse. Her message to those in mourning is clear: while grief is painful, it can also be a doorway to personal freedom and connection. Through her work, she hopes to make these insights accessible to a wider audience, turning her personal loss into a source of communal strength