As a mother of an adult child who has faced challenges with substance use disorders, I have dedicated myself to advocating for addiction prevention and recovery. I strive to teach my younger children how to manage stress and make informed, healthy choices. At the same time, I hold a medical marijuana card.
Migraine headaches have plagued me since my teenage years, varying in intensity and frequency. I’ve experimented with various treatments—preventatives, abortives, homeopathic solutions, narcotics, Botox, and even periods without medication. I’ve endured countless unsolicited recommendations from well-meaning acquaintances who think they know best.
When a friend first offered me a pot brownie, I declined several times. I had indulged in cannabis during my younger days, but motherhood brought a sense of responsibility that made me shy away from such activities. However, the reality of my escalating Vicodin usage to cope with pain began to weigh heavily on my conscience. I recognized the risks associated with opiates and knew that if I continued down that path, my children would face far greater issues than having a mother who used a little cannabis for her migraines.
Putting aside my preconceived notions, I decided to explore this alternative. The medical community’s findings on the efficacy of cannabis were clear, and to my relief, I discovered it worked for me. To avoid relying on illicit sources, I pursued the legal route and qualified for my medical card. I firmly believe in the necessity of legalizing marijuana for medicinal purposes, having witnessed its benefits for friends battling cancer and experienced its relief myself.
Yet, I grapple with the contradiction of telling my children to “just say no” while I “just say yes” in my own life. While I understand the distinction between medical and recreational use, I often wonder if my children can truly grasp this nuance. Thus, I find myself using cannabis discreetly.
In my teenage years, I remember sneaking off to buy a dime bag from a friend’s older sibling when my parents weren’t around. Today, I find myself waiting until I’ve dropped my kids at their activities before heading to the nearest dispensary. The options are abundant: edibles, oils, vapes, and even bath products. Gone are the days of a simple Ziploc bag and spending less than ten dollars. Afterward, instead of grabbing snacks at a corner store, I treat myself to a coffee from Starbucks.
One day, I intend to gather my children and share the positive news about how I effectively manage my migraine pain. I will emphasize that I believe cannabis should be accessible for those with genuine medical needs. However, I’ll also stress that unless they are adults in that situation, they shouldn’t use it.
Until that conversation happens, I’ll continue to ask if they’re ready for practice while I run a quick errand. For more insights on parenting and health, feel free to check out this excellent resource on pregnancy and home insemination or explore this informative post regarding our other blog topics. Additionally, if you’re looking to boost fertility, Make a Mom offers valuable supplements.
In summary, my journey as a mother navigating the complexities of using cannabis for medicinal purposes while raising children comes with its own set of challenges. I aim to instill healthy choices in my kids while managing my own health in a way that aligns with my values.