So whats wrong with smoking a little cannabis, or eating a infused cookie? So many parents are now beginning to understand the benefits of cannabis in their personal parenting routine. I know that I have. Life is difficult and having the added responsibilities of children, career and allowing for personal relationships leave a finite amount of time for self care as a parent. After giving birth to my son and not knowing what was going to happen with him or even with myself I felt the weight of new motherhood on my shoulders. Anxiety, guilt, doubt and worry were my only companions. It was not a fun time. I couldn’t be present for him as I wanted to be since inevitably all of my energy was expended in feeding those devilish functions.
“Only those who’re high on the herb can truly appreciate Marley. Lean back, enjoy life and really listen to him. ‘…every little thing gonna be alright…
― A.K. Kuykendall
I was listening to this podcast the other day called Unerased: The history of conversion therapy in America. The episode in particular highlighting the Mama Bears, they are a group of moms who would step in when a LGBTQ person needed a parent and they had been disown by their own families. That was so powerful! Not only was the child honored and accepted but the Mama’s were able to feel fulfilled and hopeful in helping others in a time of need.
We canna moms need groups like that! I mean to be completely accepted, seen and honored not as a bad parent or having questionable morals, but as a evolving person doing the best that we can, as a woman (or parent, cause this goes for Dad’s, step-parents, hell any type of caregiver really!) still trying to hold on to some semblance of who they are; all while nurturing a whole other being. I needed to understand that I have tools at my disposal; tools that when used correctly make me the BEST parent! Community is one of those tools, so is cannabis. Comradeship is a great way to combat loneliness, depression, stigma and all other manners of attacks that we undergo on a daily basis. There are some forums out there, I wont name them because I understand the need for discretion and also anonymity. Currently there are parents that are scared of child protective services taking their children because of their responsible cannabis consumption. I am so disheartened to hear that and it should not be like that, just as millions shouldn’t be incarcerated because of the plant. But that is a whole nother blog post.
But you know what? Do that goggle search! Start talking about responsible consumption with other moms, dads, family members and friends. Make it a part of the lexicon, and not just something to whisper in ears and behind closed doors in hushed conversations. As the saying goes nothing in the dark can be addressed. So lets bring this wonderful medicine into the light, lets share candidly and openly about our experiences and how it has helped. Even if one tired, overstretched parent gets a good chuckle or a moment to feel connected and human again, then our job is done.
I am changing the conversations and also assumptions we have about people who smoke (especially caregivers), will you join in on making the movement better. The more variety of life stories we see, the better; the more experiences we allow in the space the better. Holding a sacred space for those conversations are paramount to the de-stigmatization and acceptance of caregiver use of cannabis. The more united we can become. We are never as alone as we think we are. If we only look at what divides us then we will NEVER have time to see what actually makes us all the same, and isn’t that what the man wants?!?
