Around 37% of women use cannabis, yet cannabis use, particularly among mothers, is still highly stigmatized.
If you’re a mom, and you enjoy cannabis, this post is for you.
Discover how cannabis stigma affects women and explore the up-and-coming Cannamom culture that aims at breaking the barriers holding many back from experiencing the benefits of cannabis.
Whether you’re a kid-free woman or a proud mother, cannabis offers something for everyone. Take it from our Blue Oak owner, Danielle Wildstein, who shared a bit about her experience in this blog.
Exploring Cannamom Culture
Cannamoms are the vibrant, modern community of mothers who embrace cannabis as a part of their lifestyle and/or parenting journey.
Cannamom culture celebrates the blend of responsible cannabis consumption with family life, proving that you can be a dedicated parent and cannabis enthusiast at the same time.
These moms are all about breaking stigma, sharing tips, and advocating for a more open and balanced approach to cannabis.
From simply enjoying the plant to hosting educational gatherings and creating supportive communities, cannamoms are paving the way for a more inclusive and understanding conversation about cannabis and parenting.
How Cannabis Stigma Affects Women
Even as societal attitudes toward cannabis evolve, parents particularly women who consume the plant still face a range of stigmas and biases that can lead to personal and social challenges.
“I’ve encountered the misconception that if I use cannabis, it means I can’t be a good mother, Blue Oak owner Danielle Wildstein shared. “People question why I’d need to use something that’s perceived as a drug, implying that it makes me deficient as a parent.”
Gender Stereotypes
Women who use cannabis face a variety of stereotypes, from being labeled the “sexy stoner girl” to being shamed for using the plant at all. This stigma can lead to low self-esteem, negative self-worth, and even worse for women who use cannabis in a therapeutic sense.
For Cannamoms, the stigma is even fiercer.
The fear of being judged or facing legal repercussions can lead to secrecy about their consumption. This reluctance to openly discuss their use and the negative perceptions about consumption is often internalized by women, preventing them from seeking support and ultimately reinforcing feelings of shame.
Parenting and Family Dynamics
Parenthood is difficult. It requires patience, lots of love, and an ability to regulate emotions. For many women, cannabis makes all of the aforementioned much easier.
Unfortunately, mothers who consume cannabis often fear legal repercussions or even involvement with child protective services, which leads to secrecy and shame surrounding their cannabis use.
Even in states like New Jersey, where recreational cannabis is legal, the stigma has yet to die out.
For example, many mothers face backlash from family members who disapprove of cannabis use, which leads to strained relationships with partners or even their parents. Women of color and marginalized communities are disproportionately affected by cannabis prohibition and criminalization. Their legal use of cannabis is frequently under even more scrutiny.
5 Ways Moms Benefit From Cannabis
Stress Relief
Every mom knows that parenting is stressful. Cannabis offers a natural way for moms to unwind after a hard day of parenting. Some research indicates that cannabis can help moms manage anxiety disorders and depressive symptoms. Moms, particularly those experiencing Post Partum Depression, may greatly benefit from balanced cannabis use.
“Cannabis can enhance your ability to handle the stress of parenting, so embrace the opportunity to explore that,” said Danielle. “Parenting is HARD, and cannabis can help make it easier.”
Pain Management
Giving birth and caring for small children places considerable demands on mothers. This can sometimes lead to chronic pain. Cannabis, particularly CBD, has been shown to have analgesic properties that can help moms manage their pain without the risk of addiction or adverse side effects.
“Cannabis helps me to reduce pain in my body, so I feel better and thus am in a better mood and can do more things with my children,” Danielle shared. “I also sleep better so that mornings are easier to parent.”
Improved Sleep
Enjoying a quality night’s sleep is anything but easy for moms. Young children tend to disrupt a mother’s natural sleep cycle. Cannabis strains high in CBD can help promote relaxation and better sleep quality, helping mothers everywhere get the rest they need to recharge their batteries fully.
Mood Regulation
Women who still menstruate are on a monthly hormone cycle. That cycle comes in four phases; with each phase, various hormones are in the driver’s seat. These natural fluctuations can be overwhelming, especially for women managing busy schedules and the demands of young children. This often takes a toll on a mother’s mood. Cannabis has been reported to enhance mood, potentially offering real relief from mood-based issues such as depression, mood swings, and, as we mentioned, anxiety.
Parenting Support
Many moms use cannabis to improve their parenting experience. Cannabis can help moms be more present and attuned to their children’s needs, creating a more positive relationship with their children.
Does Cannabis Affect Women Differently?
Interestingly, cannabis consumption affects women differently. For example, sex hormones seem to play a role in how people experience cannabis. Biomedical studies demonstrate that females have fewer CB1 cannabinoid receptors in some brain regions. Some research also suggests that progesterone promotes dependence on THC, which is responsible for the intoxicating effects of cannabis. At the same time, testosterone may protect folks from dependence on the plant.
Muscle mass and fat tissue also change the way that cannabis affects cisgender men and cisgender women. Cannabinoids dissolve more easily in lipids and are stored in fat cells. Women often have a higher percentage of body fat, which means they could experience cannabis differently than their male counterparts.
Due to the differences in how cannabis affects hormones, women may react differently to cannabis than men. That difference, unfortunately, leads some to judge women who use cannabis more harshly.
Tips for Cannamoms Who Want the Most Out of Cannabis
The results are in. Cannabis could be one of the best strategies in the motherhood playbook.
Check out the following tips to get the most out of cannamom culture and incorporate it into your daily life.
#1. Schedule cannabis use appropriately
Like all good things, it matters how you use cannabis. Schedule your cannabis use according to your day-to-day routine. For example, it might be best to limit the amount of THC you consume during the day or in the morning because it can cause intoxication and sleepiness for many moms.
Instead, try a mix of high CBD strains with lower THC content to reduce the effect of THC. If you’re highly sensitive to THC, you might want to avoid it altogether and instead reserve it for the evening or weekends.
“Learn how you can use different cannabis products for the desired effects during the weekdays, nights, and on weekends,” added Danielle. “Low or no THC during the days and higher at night and on weekends is one example.”
#2. Use the right cannabinoid blend
Cannabinoids matter.
“I use both THC and non-THC cannabis products depending on what I need at the time,” said Danielle. “I do not over-consume or get intoxicated while parenting.”
Balancing your THC with CBD is one of the best ways to fully enjoy cannabis while taking care of your children.
Some of the best products for daily use include:
- Wana Classic Blood Orange 20:1 CBD:THC gummies
- Gron Pomegranate Pearls 4:1 CBD:THC gummies
- Camino Sour Orchard Peach 1:1 THC:CBD gummies
#3. Don’t overlook terpenes
Terpenes are like the cherry on your proverbial cannabis cake. They can enhance cannabis relief. For example, Linalool is an anti-inflammatory terpene that helps fight stress and anxiety, among other things. Strains high in this terpene include:
- Granddaddy Purple
- Lavender
- Kosher Kush
- Do Si Dos
Other terpenes to experiment with include:
- Limonene
- Alpha-Pinene
- Humulene
#4. Always store products safely and securely
Kids are curious, and their tiny hands can find trouble in the blink of an eye.
Make sure all your cabinets and drawers are locked up tight with childproof locks to keep them out of mischief. This will help prevent children from accessing your secret stash and ensure that everyone stays safe and sound!
#5. Connect with other cannamom’s
Getting to know other women and mothers who use cannabis is an excellent way to destigmatize cannabis use.
As cannabis awareness increases, so does the culture of mothers who openly use cannabis. Connect with the community either in person or online, such as through the Blue Oak Dispensary social media channels, and find like-minded mothers who support your cannabis use.
Times are changing, and as they do, more mothers can consume cannabis shame-free!
Why Blue Oak is the Right Choice for Moms
Navigating the world of cannabis as a mom can be challenging, but Blue Oak is here to make it easier and more comfortable for you. We’re committed to discretion, ensuring that your visit remains private and respectful. Our dispensary is inside a medical office building, so if you’re concerned about prying eyes, you don’t have to be with us. Our soon-to-launch delivery service will let you access our high-quality products without having to leave the house — perfectly suited for busy moms.
With convenient parking and a quick, efficient in-and-out experience, we’re proudly owned by a New Jersey mom who understands the unique challenges and needs of motherhood.
We’re here to break the stigma and support you in your journey, offering a safe and welcoming space for every mom who seeks to explore the benefits of cannabis.
Pulling It All Together
Cannabis stigma can cause problems for women who need the plant to reduce pain, anxiety, and depression. But together, we can break the stigma and open cannabis up to women who need it.
For more information about cannabis, how it affects women, and how you can select the perfect strain, visit us in person. We would love to answer your questions and explore this exciting new culture with you!
