While research and social stigma around cannabis are changing rapidly, a surprising force behind the shift is women and moms.
Social media is full of the “wine mom” trope and memes about “wine o’clock” and such, but the reality is many are swapping wine for a joint or gummy to wind down and get some peace of mind at the end of the day. We talk a lot about progress, yet still, mentioning going home to get high after the kids go to bed gets judgemental looks — Why?
Moms Who Consume Cannabis aren’t Bad Moms!
I’ll be honest — I’m an anxious person, a chronic overthinker and a mother of two boys. I find CBD helps me relax enough to function in my daily routines. With the undeniable medical benefits of cannabis in mind, we explore the perspective of four Ontario moms who love cannabis.
Eva From Etobicoke, Ontario:
“It’s hard to get time to yourself. When you’re in nursing school, work part-time at a retirement home, volunteer work and mom duties. Smoking cannabis helps me take the edge off. I become more relaxed, and my anxiety [is] decreased.”
“When I am interacting with my 6-year-old daughter, I find I am more artistic and playing with Barbie dolls becomes more enjoyable.”
Shannon From Innisfil, Ontario:
“I suffer from insomnia and anxiety, which has increased since Covid. I like to use cannabis in the evening to relax and fall asleep. It helps me shut my brain off. A restless night is not good for anyone mentally or physically. I feel like if I don’t sleep, then it is hard to perform my motherly duties, which isn’t fair to my son. So cannabis helps me with my daily responsibilities.”
Christa From Barrie, Ontario:
“I suffer from fibromyalgia and [took] many pain management medications over the years that would leave me feeling spaced out and too lazy to do anything. After switching to cannabis, gummies, vaping and pills, I can clean the house, make supper and engage with the kids and can sleep better at night. Cannabis has changed my life for the better.”
Louise From Toronto, Ontario:
“I used to smoke joints and used bongs, but not long after becoming a mom, I switched to vaping indica strains. I found this was better because it gives me a milder mental high, which works well being a Marketing Director and a single mother. When smoking Joints and bongs, I find I had a lingering smell of weed stuck to me and felt uncomfortable around my grown children who love close affection.”
“I mainly use cannabis as a mood enhancer. It helps me chill at night and digest the happenings of the day, which helps me feel calmer. I am not one to use cannabis a lot during the day, but occasionally when I do it, it helps me escape my foul mood or negative thinking. I become more focused and can get house chores done happily. It helps me be a more enjoyable person and mother. Spending more time with my girls and teaching them life skills with patience.”
It’s like a broken record — We repeatedly hear how cannabis helps moms get more sleep, feel relaxed, and manage their pain and anxieties. It’s high time to stop the stigma on moms who use cannabis because canna moms are here to stay.
For our fellow moms out there, what calms you down after a busy day? Let us know in the comments. Follow CLN for the latest news, reviews, editorials and more!