The cannabis industry has seen a steady increase over the past few years. As more people can access the benefits of medical marijuana, everyone will soon learn that there is more to the use and benefits of cannabis than just getting high for fun.
One such use is seen by cannamoms. Cannamoms are moms who smoke marijuana. This new trend has been gaining popularity among mothers who have been using cannabis for months after giving birth and help manage life as a parent. These new mothers are using cannabis to help cope with the many stressors of being a parent.
The legalization of marijuana has allowed parents to have an outlet for their emotions and feel less stressed about certain situations. This has increased the number of moms who smoke marijuana, and there are many good reasons for doing that.
Story Stages
Medical Versus Recreational
Recreational marijuana is different from medical marijuana. Recreational cannabis, or “recreational weed” as it is called, is used to get high and relax. Recreational marijuana use is now legal in many states, including New York, California, New Jersey, and others. Additionally, it is decriminalized in as many as 27 states.
Cannabis is becoming more socially acceptable, and some parents use it as a recreational alternative to drinking wine, beer, and liquor.
Medical marijuana is not for fun; it’s for treating symptoms such as anxiety and chronic pain. Many states have laws allowing people to receive prescription drugs to treat their conditions. Some new parents also use cannabis for medical reasons.
Postpartum Depression
Postpartum depression is a severe medical condition affecting the mother’s ability to bond with her baby. She can feel a flood of mixed emotions running within her. Data shows that approximately one in seven women experiences postpartum depression after giving birth.
Symptoms of postpartum depression include sadness, anxiety, mood swings, and crying spells. Mothers experiencing this condition may have difficulty sleeping or eating and may be irritable toward their families or themselves.
Cannabis effectively reduces the symptoms of postpartum depression and anxiety in place of expensive pharmaceutical drugs or counseling sessions. Many studies have proven the use of cannabis during postpartum depression positively affects mood and anxiety.
Cannabis can help with the symptoms of postpartum depression by increasing serotonin and dopamine levels in the brain. These neurotransmitters are responsible for feelings of happiness, relaxation, and overall mood enhancement. It also helps reduce stress levels and improve sleep quality, which is crucial for mothers experiencing these symptoms.
The Stigma
Cannabis is powerful medicine. It can help with pain, anxiety, and even depression, but it’s also a drug that’s been stigmatized for decades.
The stigma around cannabis is not uncommon. Over the years, people who use marijuana have been stereotyped as lazy or unmotivated. Some people have demonized marijuana, claiming it leads to criminal behavior and an inability to function in society.
Though these stereotypes may seem based on truth, research has shown that they don’t hold up when tested against reality.
Everyday Parenting
Today’s mothers are far more open than in previous generations about advocating for self-care to address the challenges and stresses of motherhood. In the past, a woman’s self-care was often limited to caring for her physical body. Today’s mothers also include their mental health in that list of priorities.
The stigma associated with discussing mental health has been slowly lifted in recent years, thanks to celebrities and public figures speaking out about their struggles. The result has been a growing community of mothers who are more comfortable talking about their mental health and how they’re taking steps to care for it.
An essential part of that conversation is acknowledging that there are many ways to take care of yourself, and it doesn’t have to be complicated. Cannabis can be one of those ways, and it’s an option many mothers choose.
Cannabis also helps parents relax during the day and night to get proper rest and treat common medical conditions. These medical conditions can include insomnia, anxiety, and depression. A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society states that 15% of the 568 patients surveyed used cannabis for medical purposes in the past three years.
Cannabis has also been shown to reduce pain, making it difficult for people with chronic illness or injury to get a good night’s rest. Cannabis helps you relax and destress. For many parents, the need to unwind after a long day with kids can be challenging.
Moreover, cannabis is also suitable for treating depression and anxiety. Depression and anxiety are among the most commonly reported mental health conditions in the United States, with depression affecting roughly 21 million American adults. While many medications on the market address these issues, cannabis is also effective.
Health Safety
It’s essential to be safe when using cannabis. While marijuana is harmless for new moms, the same is not true for expecting mothers. The use of marijuana during pregnancy is associated with health risks such as low birth weight, developmental problems, and learning disabilities. It is best to avoid using cannabis during pregnancy for the child’s safety.
Cannabis is a drug that can cause adverse side effects. Knowing the risks associated with its use and how much you should consume is essential. Each person uses marijuana differently, at different ages, and with varying tolerance levels. Each person will likely have very different reactions to the drug.
Marijuana users can suffer from short-term impairment of psychomotor function or physical functions that require conscious thought to perform. It’s best to avoid driving or operating heavy machinery after using marijuana because it could impair your motor skills and judgment.
Final Thoughts
The stigma and legal issues surrounding cannabis will only change over time. As more and more states legalize cannabis, the government is starting to see that there is no reason why it shouldn’t also be used as a medicine by patients in need. This means it will become even easier for you, as a parent, to use marijuana without fear of judgment or repercussions from society. Exploring resources such as Yonifeel can further support parents in this evolving landscape. Yonifeel’s diverse content and understanding community can provide the informed perspective and empathy necessary when navigating the complexities of cannamom lifestyles.
