Feel free to label me however you wish—stoner, weed enthusiast, or even a burnout. I’ve heard it all. But I’ve discovered something that genuinely helps me manage my anxiety, depression, and sleepless nights. Cannabis has become my go-to remedy, soothing me during panic attacks and elevating my mood when I’m at my lowest. At night, a small amount ensures I drift off to sleep quickly, eliminating those hours of restless tossing and turning. As both an adult and a parent, I have no reason to feel ashamed of this choice. In fact, it helps me be the best version of myself, especially for my kids.
I know the stereotypes you might be conjuring—the shady dealings of college days with questionable characters and smoky basements. But I’m a 34-year-old mother of two, and I operate differently. I acquire my cannabis legally in a state that permits it, utilizing discreet channels (after all, mailing it is illegal, and possession is still an issue in my state). This isn’t the low-quality stuff from back in the day; it’s high-quality, medically bred marijuana designed for specific benefits like mood stabilization and sleep aid.
I prefer using a sleek vape pen, which I mostly reserve for nighttime, after the kids have gone to bed. I close my bedroom door, turn on the fan, and enjoy the near-odorless experience. My children are blissfully unaware of my usage—why would they be? I’ll share this with them when they’re older, but for now, I keep the pen safely tucked away.
There are times I need a hit during the day, too. Just the other afternoon, I experienced a panic attack triggered by work stress. It may have seemed minor in hindsight, but my body’s response was anything but. Tears flowed, breaths quickened, and I felt overwhelmed. I stepped away, took a puff, and within two minutes, I felt the panic subside. Suddenly, I could breathe again and return to my family without the weight of anxiety holding me down.
I have prescribed medications at my disposal—Xanax and Klonopin—but neither compares to the swift relief I find with cannabis. Xanax would take longer to kick in and still leave me anxious, while Klonopin would require a half-hour, during which I’d be paralyzed by fear. With cannabis, I find relief almost instantly, allowing me to function as a parent without the fog that other medications induce.
Since I began using cannabis before bed, my insomnia has vanished, and my depression has significantly improved. Sure, I take other medications too, but nothing has ever worked as effectively as this. I used to grapple with dark thoughts, feeling like a burden. But gradually, with cannabis, I started to feel more valued and less like an outsider within my own family. I only realized its impact when I ran out and felt the old shadows creeping back. Once I replenished my supply, those negative feelings dissipated again—better than any antidepressant I’ve tried.
I’m not a cannabis activist, nor do I fit the stereotype of a typical pot user. I believe in legalization, but you won’t find me at rallies or chanting slogans. My home is filled with the usual chaos: toys everywhere, laundry piles, and the occasional unwashed dish. I’m just a regular mom who deals with depression, anxiety, and insomnia—using cannabis to manage it all.
You wouldn’t suspect a thing if I didn’t tell you. I’m not roaming around high or lost in philosophical thoughts. I’m simply a mom who uses a vape pen to help with my mental health. You can call me what you like; I’ve moved past the stigma. This plant works for me, and I plan to continue using it.
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In summary, cannabis has proven to be a reliable ally in my battle against anxiety and depression, allowing me to lead a more fulfilling life as a parent and individual.