Since the arrival of my first child, discussions surrounding motherhood have taken a significant shift. We’ve become more transparent about the challenges of postpartum life, fertility struggles, and the overwhelming fatigue many of us experience, especially during the pandemic. While these conversations are crucial, there remains an array of topics that many still consider taboo, one being cannabis use.
Despite it being 2021, stigma around cannabis persists. The perception of cannabis has not evolved alongside its changing reputation, which is far removed from the portrayals seen in films like Half Baked or Dazed and Confused.
Enter Mia Thompson, a co-founder of the Brooklyn-based brand, GreenLeaf & Co., a chic cannabis lifestyle company. Alongside her business partner, Sarah Wells, Mia is dedicated to dismantling the stigma surrounding mothers who use cannabis or work within the industry.
“GreenLeaf was born out of a shared vision between Sarah and I in 2018,” Mia shared during a recent call. “Both of us had a history with cannabis from our teenage years, but as we matured, our approach to consumption evolved. We were frustrated that the industry didn’t cater to our aesthetic.”
Redefining Cannabis with Style
Mia recognized that a pivotal step in normalizing cannabis use was to elevate it from hidden corners into open spaces. She noticed that the products connected to cannabis consumption hadn’t kept pace with the changing landscape of cannabis itself. “There’s no reason to feel ashamed about consuming cannabis; the products should reflect that,” she emphasized.
The duo leveraged their backgrounds in design to create stylish essentials and accessories for cannabis use. They envisioned items that could be elegantly displayed on a bar cart or mantelpiece—a beautiful piece that serves a functional purpose, similar to a well-designed cocktail shaker.
“We want people to feel proud of having our products in their homes. It’s not something to keep hidden,” Mia stated.
Their offerings include a range of stunning grinders, elegant pipes, and artisanal CBD chocolates, all of which have gained attention in major publications like InStyle and Rolling Stone.
The Role of Cannabis in Motherhood
Today, cannabis consumption transcends merely seeking a high. Individuals turn to cannabis for varied reasons, such as unwinding after a long day, alleviating sleep issues, or rekindling intimacy, particularly among mothers. The pandemic has intensified these needs.
However, mothers who seek cannabis for relief often face judgment, which can vary significantly depending on the region. Thankfully, the Internet has provided a platform for mothers to connect and share their experiences, often anonymously to sidestep scrutiny.
“As mothers, we’re judged no matter what choices we make,” Mia reflected. “But online spaces have created opportunities for open discussions where women can share without fear of backlash.”
A Purpose-Driven Cannabis Brand
GreenLeaf is committed not only to destigmatizing cannabis use among mothers but also to supporting causes that uplift women, particularly women of color (WoC). The impact of cannabis criminalization has disproportionately affected these communities. To contribute positively, they donate 5% of their monthly sales to the Compassion Project, which supports mothers in need.
Navigating the Intersection of Motherhood and Career
Initially, Mia hesitated to discuss her career in cannabis due to potential judgment. Over time, she’s found it easier to engage in conversations about the industry. Still, the challenges she faces mirror those of any new mother trying to grow her business.
One of the key strategies she employs is setting clear boundaries between her work and family life. As the main caregiver to her twelve-month-old son, she’s learned to integrate work in a way that complements her family’s needs.
For encouragement, she turns to fellow mothers who are successfully managing their own businesses. “There are countless moms out there doing incredible things,” Mia noted. “Social media has been a fantastic source of inspiration, allowing me to see what’s possible.”
Conversations about motherhood continue to evolve, but there’s still a significant need for dialogues that normalize cannabis use. “We’re entering an exciting era where people can curate their experiences—be it for better sleep, reducing anxiety, or enhancing intimacy,” Mia said. Brands like hers are leading the charge in helping people understand that today’s cannabis experience is vastly different from the past, and they are working to eliminate the stigma that makes cannabis consumption feel shameful for mothers.
For more insights, check out this related blog post and learn more from experts at Intracervical Insemination, as well as this comprehensive resource on pregnancy at WebMD.
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Summary:
This article explores how Mia Thompson, co-founder of GreenLeaf & Co., is navigating the challenges of motherhood while promoting a stylish cannabis lifestyle brand. Through her work, she aims to destigmatize cannabis use among mothers and support marginalized communities affected by cannabis criminalization. By establishing boundaries between her professional and personal life, Mia draws inspiration from other entrepreneurial mothers, helping to foster a conversation that normalizes cannabis consumption in motherhood.