A New Generation of Moms Who Get High: Navigating the Complexities of Parenting in the Era of Cannabis

As the world grapples with the challenges of modern parenting, a new generation of mothers is emerging – the 'garden moms' who are turning to cannabis as a means of coping with the stresses and demands of childcare. The rise of cannabis as a tool for parenting support is a complex and multifaceted issue, with arguments both for and against its use.

Taylor Mitchem, a 36-year-old mother of two from Colorado, is one of the prominent figures in the garden mom movement. She has over 120,000 followers on TikTok, where she shares her experiences of using cannabis as a way to manage the challenges of parenting. 'I call myself a garden momma,' she says. 'I smoke daily, and it's not just about getting high – it's about finding a balance and taking the edge off.' Mitchem's video, which shows her enjoying a cannabis-infused coffee before starting her day, has been watched by thousands.

The potential risks of parenting while high are clear: the American Academy of Pediatrics advises that adults avoid using cannabis in front of children, and that all products should be kept locked and out of reach. Children who grow up seeing drug reliance may be more likely to develop an addiction themselves. However, for many garden moms, the benefits of cannabis far outweigh the risks. 'I'm not putting weed first – I'm prioritizing my family by using cannabis as a tool,' says Mitchem.

For many mothers, cannabis is a lifeline in a world where parenting support systems are often lacking. 'Lacking meaningful parenting help from other adults, I'm prioritizing my family by using cannabis as a tool,' says Meg, a 33-year-old mother of one from New York. 'I want to parent differently – I want to be patient and present, but it doesn't always come naturally.' Meg uses cannabis to help her manage her anxiety and depression, and to be more patient and understanding with her three-year-old daughter.

The science surrounding cannabis and parenting is complex, and there is limited research on the subject. However, experts agree that daily use of cannabis can lead to dependence and worsen anxiety and depression over time. The potency of modern cannabis is also a concern, with THC levels reaching up to 90 percent in some products. The industry has a stake in mothers believing that cannabis is a valuable tool for parenting – but is it really?

Josie, a 29-year-old mother of one from California, has used cannabis to help her cope with the challenges of parenting. 'I've heard the warnings before – that using cannabis as a parent can be abusive,' she says. 'But for me, it's about being prepared and finding a sense of community with other mothers who understand what I'm going through.' Josie uses cannabis to help her manage her anxiety and to be more present and patient with her one-year-old son.

The garden mom movement is a complex and multifaceted issue, with arguments both for and against the use of cannabis as a parenting tool. While some mothers have reported benefits from using cannabis, others have raised concerns about the risks and the potential for dependence. As the debate continues, one thing is clear – parenting is a complex and challenging experience, and mothers will continue to seek support and coping mechanisms wherever they can find them.

The garden mom movement is not just about using cannabis as a tool for parenting – it's also about finding community and support among other mothers who understand what it's like to navigate the challenges of childcare. Online forums and social media groups have sprung up, where mothers can share their experiences and advice. In many cases, these online communities have become vital sources of support and comfort – a lifeline in a world where parenting support systems are often lacking.