In short, ABSOLUTELY. Parenting is complicated enough, add in day-to-day stressors of life, mental or chronic illness, and you can quickly lose sight of your goals and desires when it comes to being the best parent you can be. Growing up, I always had this vision of motherhood being some superhuman version of myself who has no problems, always lively, happy, and patient. As life has happened to me, as it has to everyone else, this goal is not still achievable every single day. Or is it?
A single mother's cannabis confession
No one is perfect, and we all have days we get lost in our problems and need time to reset and reboot. Still, since I started using cannabis, the quality of my mental health, my parenting, and overall quality of life have evolved and blossomed into the mother and person I have always wanted to be. Cannabis can help relieve pain, inflammation, reduce anxiety and depression, treat insomnia and ensure better, more restful sleep, as well as many other day-to-day ailments that prevent us from operating at our best self.
Cannabis can’t fix all your problems. It won’t turn you into a superhero or high-functioning robot. With the proper education, dosing schedule, and intentional goals with treatment and mindfulness, your life can be significantly impacted, as well as your entire family. If you want to change the world, go home and love your family. To give your family the best you, you have to fill your cup first. This includes taking personal time for yourself every day and understanding what your body and mind need to operate at their best capacity. Cannabis brings balance into your life.
As a single mom, I often feel as if I don’t have enough time or energy to tend to myself, my son, my house, cooking, cleaning, errands, social life, work, and everything else in between. Balancing the many roles is downright exhausting at times. My days can be hectic, and before using cannabis, my mental health, routine, and livelihood were struggling. I never felt like I could keep up. I could hardly get out of bed, wasn’t eating correctly, barely sleeping, and not being the present conscious parent. I knew I wanted to be and was capable of being.
The benefits of cannabis use as a parent
Cannabis has given me more:
- Energy
- Focus
- Presence
- Playfulness
- Patience
- Joy
- Happiness
- Relief
- Sleep
- Calmness
- Balance
My quality of life has improved drastically. Before using cannabis, I was always on edge, tense, suffered from severe anxiety, depression, PTSD, barely sleeping or eating, had a challenging time focusing on the present moment, and self-sacrificing behaviors to unhealthy extremes.
Cannabis has given my son the mom he has always deserved. I’m happy, present, connected, and balanced. Cannabis has given me dedicated time to my well-being while treating and relieving my mental health, insomnia and creating overall balance in my life, which makes a happy, healthy mom. At the end of the day, happiness, health, and family are most important to our quality of life.
My insight as a parent in the cannabis industry
Before working for Herbal Remedies, I had little education on cannabis and no understanding of the proper dosage and use of cannabis, especially the medicinal properties I was actually receiving. It was a lot of experimenting. There were many times I overindulged out of lack of education or understanding of how life-changing the plant really was. Herbal Remedies has given me so much experience and knowledge.
As a dispensary, they work effortlessly to ensure every staff member has the updated news, knowledge, and education available for the fast-growing industry, as well as so many resources between our on-site canna-nurse, pharmacist, and specially trained technicians. We are all ready and excited to share our wealth of knowledge and resources to give parents and all adults the care, time, and education needed to live their happiest and healthiest lifestyle.
My cannabis and parenting regimen
I use the Colorado hemp honey from Evergreen Wellness in the mornings with my tea; this gives me a calming effect as I begin to go through my day. I enjoy the tea as I make breakfast or sit with my son while he has cereal and prepares for the day.
Before I go to work or in the mornings at home, I take a 2:1 Avexia micro-dosed tablet from Herbal Remedies. The micro-dosed tablets work really well for daytime use because it’s such a low THC dose (1.25 mg) combined with CBD (2.5 mg). Using the micro-dosed tablets keeps me completely clear-headed during the day while helping reduce pain and inflammation in my knees and help with my anxiety and depression. I can work, drive, and function without the constant aches and pains.
If I have a headache, I use Mary’s transdermal 1:1 compound. This gives me immediate relief on my neck and head. When I get home from work, I usually take a few minutes to de-stress by taking a hit or two of a hybrid strain, refocus and shift from work-to-mom mode, and set a few intentions for my evening.
Sativa’s are typically too racy for me and exacerbate my anxiety and paranoia, while Indica’s will relax me so much, I will want to lay down. I find hybrid’s work best for a nice wind-down while giving me extra energy to cook a nice dinner, play toys with my son before we clean up, and do our bath time and bedtime routine. Once my son is asleep, and I get “me” time, I will smoke a bit more or use an edible, typically Indica strains, as this will help my body fully relax and prepare my body for a full night’s rest.
Conclusion
Overall, cannabis has the ability and potential to transform and revolutionize the way we live day-to-day as parents and adults. The stigma surrounding the use of cannabis and being “less than” as a parent will cease to exist as research, education, and overall evidence of the improved quality of life continues to emerge. Being a great parent means taking care of your emotional and physical well-being, so you have the energy and presence to give your family the best version of you possible. Health, happiness, and balance start with you. Contact our specialists at Herbal Remedies in Quincy and see how your life can improve today! We are ready to help assist in your holistic healthcare journey, creating a healthier, happier, and more balanced you. You are worth it.
