Disclaimer: This piece discusses everyday cannabis use and parenting. Since parenting involves children, it will touch on how daily cannabis use interacts with family life. Importantly, my kids and cannabis don’t mix. They are completely unaware of my habits. They don’t see me with my stylishly ergonomic bong, and they certainly don’t hear me say, “Time for my smoke session!” My children are blissfully ignorant of any marijuana influence in my parenting.
So please, hold onto your pearls! I’m not blowing smoke in my child’s face while devouring snacks and debating the merits of different movie adaptations of classic sci-fi novels.
Cannabis Eases My Anxiety
I’m just an ordinary mom navigating these challenging times. As I spend my days at home, I face a choice: smoke a little cannabis or take another pill that could leave me feeling foggy. We all know that certain medications can mess with your mind — and trust me, driving on them is not a good idea.
Daily cannabis use significantly alleviates my anxiety. And when I say anxiety, I mean I struggle with generalized anxiety disorder, which often has me waking up at odd hours, consumed by worries about everything from past mistakes to future uncertainties. My life can feel like a whirlwind of anxiety, but smoking cannabis helps ground me. I’m not looking to get high; I smoke to feel like a more rational, functional person. It diminishes my anxiety, allowing me to be more present and engaged with my family.
It Supports My ADHD and Chronic Pain
ADHD can lead to hyperfocus, where I might become so absorbed in one task that I completely tune out the world around me. This can be great for productivity but not so much for parenting. However, daily cannabis use helps me break that cycle. When I indulge, I find myself more connected with my kids, engaging in creative activities or just enjoying quality time together.
Additionally, I deal with chronic pain, and cannabis has been a lifesaver. It effectively reduces my discomfort, allowing me to better manage my physical health alongside my mental well-being.
Daily Cannabis Use Enhances My Life, but I Recognize My Privilege
Using cannabis has transformed many facets of my life. It alleviates migraines, enhances my enjoyment of music, and makes chores a bit more bearable. I find myself yelling less at my kids and husband, and I approach my daily responsibilities with a calmer demeanor.
However, I recognize that I am fortunate. My appearance means that I can navigate this cannabis use without fear of societal repercussions. The reality is that not everyone shares the same privilege. For many individuals in BIPOC communities, the stigma surrounding cannabis use is far more pronounced, often leading to harsher judgments and consequences.
This disparity is troubling, and it underscores the need for awareness and advocacy for fairer policies regarding cannabis. I’m committed to supporting initiatives that not only seek to decriminalize cannabis but also uplift marginalized communities. Awareness must come with action.
So yes, I’ll continue my daily cannabis routine while being mindful of the privileges that allow me to do so.
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