Charlotte Figi, Inspiration for ‘Charlotte’s Web’ Strain, Dies from COVID-Like Symptoms

Editor’s note: A previous version of this article stated that Charlotte Figi had passed away from coronavirus complications. She was treated for coronavirus-like symptoms in a hospital ward for coronavirus patients, but she ultimately tested negative for the virus.

Charlotte Figi, the child who inspired the medical cannabis strain “Charlotte’s Web,” has died from coronavirus-like complications. She was 13-years-old.

Figi suffered throughout her life from Dravet Syndrome, which caused her to have grand mal seizures. Her parents sought the help of the Stanley Brothers, who would eventually create the low-THC Charlotte’s Web strain in 2011 to help treat her seizures. Figi’s illness and success story would be re-told throughout state legislatures during debates on medical cannabis legalization and in academic literature. Figi was also featured in a 2013 CNN documentary about medical cannabis.

The teenager’s death was announced last night on the Facebook page of her mother, Paige Figi, by a family friend.

The suggestion that her death could have been caused by COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, was posted to the Realm of Caring Facebook page. The Realm of Caring is a charitable organization started by Paige Figi.

“Some journeys are long and bland and others are short and poignant and meant to revolutionize the world. Such was the path chosen by this little girl with a catastrophic form of epilepsy called Dravet Syndrome. Charlotte’s mom, Paige, helped pave the path for thousands of sick children with little hope for a future. A life that created a revolutionary movement in legitimizing cannabis as a therapeutic option. Your work is done Charlotte, the world is changed, and you can now rest knowing that you leave the world a better place.” – the Realm of Caring Facebook update, April 8, 2020

The Stanley family also posted a tribute to Figi on their website, describing her as “divine.”

“She grew, cultivated by a community, protected by love, demanding that the world witness her suffering so that they might find a solution,” the post says. “She rose every day, awakening others with her courage, and with that smile that infected your spirit at the cellular level.”

“Charlotte, then, became everyone’s daughter or sister or friend and enlivened empathy and love from anyone who had the privilege of hearing her story, as millions did. Her story built communities, her need built hope, and her legacy will continue to build harmony.” – The Stanley family

As of Tuesday, Colorado had reported 5,429 coronavirus cases and 179 deaths, according to state Department of Public Health and Environment data.