As far as suburban moms go, I’m about as ordinary as it gets. I actively engage in my children’s lives and contribute to my community, embodying the role of a responsible and trustworthy adult. I’m a loving wife, a supportive friend, and a devoted mother who treasures her kids above all else. Honestly, you’d trust me to look after your children, home, or pets while you’re away.
I have a job, I prioritize my family’s health, and I like to keep my home neat—not that it doesn’t sometimes involve a quick spritz of Febreze. My wardrobe consists of skinny jeans, cardigans, and comfy flats—the quintessential mom attire.
In my purse, you’ll find my voter ID, passport, library card, driver’s license (two decades of driving without a single ticket—fingers crossed), along with a stash of Band-Aids and snacks because you never know when a child or fellow mom might need them. I color my hair to hide the grays and use drugstore wrinkle cream, hoping it performs as well as the pricey products that I can’t splurge on because I’m busy feeding four rapidly growing kids. By 9 p.m., I’m usually spent—definitely not the party type. Occasionally, after a particularly taxing day, I unwind on my couch with a glass of wine or two.
This is me, and I bet I mirror many of you. I could be your neighbor or your friend. We could easily hang out. But let’s adjust that last part: instead of “relax on my couch with a glass of wine or two,” let’s say “relax on my couch with a joint.”
Does your perception of me change? If it does, take a moment to un-clutch those pearls and hear me out.
For the record, I don’t use marijuana for medicinal reasons. I can’t claim that my indulgence serves any purpose other than providing much-needed stress relief, but you know what? Stress relief is a valid reason. I’m no different from those who “take the edge off” with a martini, except my snack consumption might be a bit higher.
Yes, cannabis remains illegal in many places, but alcohol was once in the same boat. There was a time when sipping anything but communion wine during Prohibition could land you in jail. I don’t keep a large stash at home, and it’s well-hidden from my kids—after all, I’m also the mom who keeps an emergency chocolate stash, so I know how to be discreet.
I indulge only after my kids are soundly asleep and never to the point of incapacitation. Just as I would never dream of getting blackout drunk while on duty as a parent, I wouldn’t smoke myself into a stupor while my children are awake. If you’ve ever smoked, you know it’s not the same as alcohol in terms of making someone lose control. I may enjoy cannabis, but I am just as responsible with it as you are with your wine, beer, or favorite cocktail. No driving. No excessive use. I know my limits and respect them—I don’t need to push boundaries.
I don’t rely on shady methods to procure it; it’s surprisingly accessible, and you might be shocked at how many non-stereotypical users there are. I know numerous upstanding citizens—doctors, educators, and even politicians—who enjoy it in private. You’d never suspect, because openly discussing it risks scrutiny and judgment.
People who have never tried cannabis often hold negative views, influenced by the idea that it’s a “dangerous drug” or a gateway to harder substances. If you’re open about being a smoker, you face unfair judgment based on these misconceptions. But just as enjoying an occasional drink doesn’t make someone an alcoholic, smoking a joint every now and then doesn’t mean you’re a pothead.
It would be fantastic to go out with friends and share a few hits or enjoy some edibles like you would with a glass of wine on a girls’ night. Sadly, I don’t live in a progressive enough area to do that—at least not yet. Until then, I’ll keep things under wraps, so no one thinks that enjoying a little high now and then makes me an unfit parent.
Of course, I don’t want my kids to partake. The idea of them experimenting with anything, be it alcohol or substances, makes me uneasy. I’ll warn them against the risks associated with anything that alters their consciousness, just like any concerned parent would.
Honestly, I’d prefer they never touch anything stronger than coffee, but that’s not realistic. I refuse to be naive. When they’re adults and capable of making responsible choices, I won’t mind if they choose to indulge in some cannabis once in a while. Just know they better be ready to share. Puff, puff, pass!
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Summary
In essence, I’m just your average mom who enjoys recreational cannabis as a means of stress relief. I’m responsible and ensure it doesn’t interfere with my parenting. Like many, I understand the societal stigma around cannabis use, but I believe in personal freedom and responsibility.