Parenting is a rewarding yet often overwhelming journey, and many parents find themselves looking for ways to ease the burdens that come with raising kids. Whether it’s through a glass of wine, a prescribed medication, or simply dreaming of sending the kids off to boarding school, we all have our coping mechanisms. I’ve never gone the pill route and haven’t considered sending my children away just yet, but I’ve found that a drink tends to be my go-to stress relief. If you’re a fellow parent, you can probably relate.
Back in my college days, I dabbled in substances beyond just alcohol. Now, as the stigma around marijuana continues to fade and legalization spreads, I find myself contemplating a return to the green stuff—perhaps it’s time to reintroduce myself to that famed dragon from childhood.
With each election season, more states are embracing the idea of legal marijuana for medical or recreational use. It’s becoming increasingly clear that, despite the looming challenges of our political climate, the perception of cannabis as a dangerous drug will likely dissipate long before my kids reach adulthood.
I enjoy a good drink—beer, bourbon, and an occasional martini are my usual suspects. However, as I entered my 40s, I’ve noticed that my hangovers have gotten worse. Which brings me back to the idea of cannabis.
Benefits of Cannabis for Parents
There are countless reasons a parent might consider using marijuana while navigating the chaotic world of parenthood. Here are just a few benefits I’ve come up with:
- No hangover.
- No hangover.
- No hangover (I could honestly keep this going for a while).
- Suddenly, kids’ shows like Yo Gabba Gabba! and Scooby-Doo become much more amusing.
- An enhanced ability to engage with your kids’ never-ending questions, or at least find them more entertaining.
- Play-Doh turns into an absolute blast—seriously, it’s delightful!
- A calmer atmosphere at dinnertime and bedtime.
- Housework and grocery shopping become less daunting, although I’d recommend avoiding laundry while high.
- If your child plays an instrument, the musical “twirling” can be a fun experience.
- Cannabis can ease nausea, making those diaper changes a little less dreadful.
- And again, I can’t stress this enough—no hangover!
While there are certainly benefits to smoking weed while parenting, I know I’d need to tread carefully. My naturally anxious demeanor might lead to paranoia if I were to partake around my kids. Plus, I might forget that my 6-year-old has been in time-out for hours!
Of course, this is all meant to be taken lightly. As parents, we all recognize the humor in our situations, especially when it comes to the demands of raising children.
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In summary, parenting is no easy feat, and while I’m contemplating a different approach to stress relief, it’s crucial to find what works best for you. Whether that means sipping a drink or considering cannabis, the journey is uniquely yours.