As suburban moms go, I’m about as ordinary as they come. I’m involved in my children’s lives and my community, a reliable and responsible adult. I’m a devoted wife, a caring friend, and a loving mother who cherishes her kids above all else. You’d feel comfortable asking someone like me to look after your children, home, or pets while you’re away.
I juggle a job, stay concerned about my family’s health, and keep my house relatively neat — though sometimes “neat” means just spritzing everything with Febreze. My wardrobe consists of skinny jeans, cardigans, and comfy flats — classic mom attire.
In my handbag, you’ll find my voter ID, passport, library card, driver’s license (20 years of driving without a blemish on my record, knock on wood), along with an assortment of Band-Aids and snacks because you never know when a kid or another mom might need them. I dye my hair to hide those pesky grays and use drugstore wrinkle cream, hoping it works as well as the pricey stuff that I can’t afford because I’m busy feeding four growing kids. By 9 p.m., I’m usually ready to call it a night, so I’m not exactly the life of the party. However, at the end of a long day, I’ll occasionally unwind on my couch with a glass of wine or two.
But here’s the twist: instead of that glass of wine, I might just relax with a joint. Does that change your perception of me? If so, let’s take a moment to consider this.
For clarity, I don’t smoke for medical reasons — my enjoyment is purely for stress relief. And you know what? That’s a perfectly valid reason. I’m no different than anyone who unwinds with a cocktail after a long day, even if my snack consumption might be a touch higher.
Sure, marijuana remains illegal in many places, but remember when alcohol was prohibited? Back then, sipping anything other than communion wine was a gamble. I don’t keep a large stash at home, and it’s well-hidden from my kids (who, by the way, would be surprised to find my emergency chocolate stash). I only partake after my kids are asleep, and never to the point of incapacitation. Just as I wouldn’t dream of getting blackout drunk when I need to be alert for emergencies, I wouldn’t smoke myself into oblivion while caring for my children.
I’m as responsible with marijuana as you are with your favorite drink. No driving after using it, no overindulging, and I’m well aware of my limits.
Acquiring marijuana isn’t a shady affair for me either; it’s actually quite accessible. You’d be surprised to learn how many respectable citizens, including doctors and local leaders, are in the same boat as me. Many of us keep our habits private, fearing judgment and scrutiny if we were to be open about it.
Those who’ve never smoked often hold negative views, shaped by a lifetime of beliefs that it’s a “dangerous drug” or a gateway to worse substances. But just like having an occasional drink doesn’t make you an alcoholic, smoking a joint now and then doesn’t turn you into a pothead. I’d love to share a few hits or enjoy some edibles with friends like you’d do over wine, but unfortunately, I don’t live in a place progressive enough to allow that — yet. Until then, I’ll keep my habit under wraps out of concern that being mildly high might somehow label me an unfit parent.
Of course, I don’t want my kids to use marijuana. The mere thought of them experimenting with it, or anything else, makes me cringe. But that’s not due to the substance itself; it’s simply because they’re kids, and kids shouldn’t be dabbling in anything that alters their consciousness. Like any mindful parent, I’ll warn them about the risks involved with such choices. Honestly, I’d love for them to never touch anything stronger than coffee, but that’s a naive wish. When they grow up and can make informed choices, I won’t mind if they choose to indulge occasionally — as long as they’re ready to share. Puff, puff, pass!
This article dives into the complexities of modern parenting and the realities of using marijuana in a responsible way. For more insights on parenting and family life, check out our post on couples’ fertility journeys. And if you’re interested in pregnancy resources, you can find valuable information at the CDC. Also, don’t forget to check out the Grumpy Pregnancy Club for even more support on your journey.
In summary, I’m just your average mom who happens to enjoy recreational marijuana. I’m responsible, loving, and engaged in my family’s life, just like you. There’s nothing wrong with finding a little stress relief in my own way, and I hope we can all be a bit more open-minded about our choices.