Parenting and Daily Marijuana Use
Disclaimer: This piece explores the topic of daily marijuana use in the context of parenting. As parenting involves children, it naturally touches on the intersection of these two subjects. However, it’s important to clarify that my children are completely unaware of my marijuana use. They don’t see me smoking, hear me say, “It’s time for a little break,” or smell any cannabis wafting from my stylish Snoop Dogg Pounds Lightship Bubbler (and let me tell you, Snoop didn’t sponsor this mention. Look it up; it’s a fantastic piece). They don’t consume edibles or have any knowledge of the role marijuana plays in my parenting.
So, let’s put those judgments aside, critics. I’m certainly not blowing smoke in my kids’ faces while munching on snacks and engaging in deep discussions about cinematic adaptations of beloved novels. I’m fully present for my children, prioritizing them over a movie marathon.
Daily Marijuana Use Eases My Anxiety
Like many parents, especially during these uncertain times, I find myself at home. My morning routine includes choosing between waking and baking or relying on prescribed benzodiazepines. We all know that the latter can lead to a foggy mind and impaired judgment. Benzos can seriously affect cognitive function, motor skills, and overall well-being, leading to a myriad of other issues. As a responsible parent, I wouldn’t want to set that example for my kids.
Instead, daily marijuana use alleviates my severe anxiety. I don’t just have a touch of anxiety; I struggle with generalized anxiety disorder, meaning I often find myself awake at odd hours, stressing over things that happened years ago or worrying about potential future events. The anxiety manifests in physical symptoms like palpitations and tension, often leading to irrational irritability. Thankfully, marijuana helps alleviate that anxiety completely. It doesn’t just fade into the background; it vanishes. I use it to feel like a well-functioning human capable of making clear-headed decisions. This makes me a better parent, allowing me to respond calmly to my children’s needs rather than reacting out of stress.
It Also Helps My ADHD and Chronic Pain
With ADHD, I often experience hyperfocus, which means I can become so engrossed in one task that I lose track of everything else. My husband might say, “Good morning,” and I might reply without even looking away from my screen. Daily marijuana use helps counter this tendency. Instead of zoning out, I can engage with my kids in creative activities, like drawing or building with Legos. When I smoke, I’m more present, which my children genuinely appreciate.
Chronic pain is another challenge I face, and guess what? Marijuana works wonders for that too. It eases my physical discomfort better than any other remedy I’ve tried, even CBD. When anxiety combines with chronic pain, it creates a tough situation, but my trusty Snoop Dogg bubbler is always there to help.
Daily Marijuana Use Improves My Life, But I Recognize My Privilege
I’ve noticed significant improvements in my quality of life. It alleviates migraines, enhances my enjoyment of music, makes housework feel less burdensome, and reduces my tendency to yell at my family. I feel more relaxed and engaged. However, I recognize that my ability to smoke weed daily without consequence is largely due to my privilege.
As a white person, I’m less likely to face scrutiny from social services. If I were a person of color, the risks associated with marijuana use could be far greater. Many BIPOC individuals face harsher consequences, including potential loss of custody or being judged more critically than their white counterparts. I’ve read stories about mothers who have faced dire repercussions simply for testing positive for marijuana during childbirth, even when there was no evidence of harm to their children.
This disparity in treatment is profoundly unjust. While I can enjoy the benefits of daily marijuana use, many BIPOC women are forced to navigate a different, often more dangerous landscape. They may not have access to effective alternatives, which can be incredibly frustrating.
I’m grateful for my situation and recognize that acknowledging my privilege comes with a responsibility to advocate for equity. I continue to support policies that decriminalize marijuana while also focusing on uplifting BIPOC communities. I live near a family of color, and I am aware that the mother there cannot partake in the same way I can.
I appreciate the freedom to make choices that improve my mental well-being without fear.
For more insight into family health and well-being, you might want to check out this excellent resource for pregnancy and home insemination or explore other topics on our blog, like this one about daily marijuana use.
Summary:
In this article, Jamie Thompson discusses the effects of daily marijuana use on her parenting and personal well-being. She explains how it alleviates her anxiety, helps manage her ADHD, and alleviates chronic pain, allowing her to be more present and engaged with her children. However, she also acknowledges the privilege that allows her to use marijuana without facing the societal repercussions that BIPOC individuals might encounter. By recognizing this disparity, she emphasizes the importance of advocating for equity and supporting BIPOC communities.