Hot Topic (1/1): Is it ever okay for moms to smoke pot?

[Cafe GroupAdmin]

 Is pot the new pilates?

Gina Kaysen Fernandes: A new wave of reefer madness is sweeping suburbia -- but it's not just teenagers who are lighting up. Middle-aged, middle-class soccer moms are smoking pot ... a lot. These women aren't stoners: they're teachers, lawyers, and, perhaps, even your neighbor who prefers puffing a joint to sipping chardonnay.

"Marijuana is the magic in my life that helps me unwind, stay sane, and have more energy," says Sonia, a 24-year-old mother from Los Angeles. Working full-time as a restaurant manager leaves Sonia feeling stressed out and drained at the end of the day. She smokes once or twice daily to relax. "I have a stressful job, it's something that helps me wind down so I don't take out my frustration on my husband or my child."

Sonia became a mother at the age of 22 and suffered from some depression. She turned to marijuana to help curb the baby blues. A doctor later diagnosed Sonia with anxiety and wrote her a prescription for the herbal remedy. Sonia gets her stash from a medicinal marijuana clinic and takes comfort in knowing the pot she smokes is legal and high quality.

Mary is a 37-year-old, self-employed mother in Seattle who smokes pot several times a week. "It is relaxing, fun, and once in a while I self-medicate for cramps or headaches," said Mary. She says she prefers smoking to drinking beer because it's easier on the body and has fewer calories. Mary buys her bags from a dealer, making it more risky because "there's still a real danger of being arrested," says Mary.

The website, Chikii.com, surveyed hundreds of women nationwide between the ages of 25 and 60 years old. Out of that group, 52% admitted to using marijuana at least ten times a year. 27% smoked between one and seven times a week. And 78% of those women knew someone who got high on a regular basis.

The results of recent surveys are no surprise to Allen St. Pierre, executive director of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, or NORML. "These findings are indicative of women's willingness to admit to the social stigma that was so high in the 1970s and 80s," said St. Pierre.

Both women who shared their stories with momlogic say that many of their friends smoke weed. But while it seems "marijuana mamas" are everywhere, this silent majority prefers to stay in the shadows. "They think if they admit it, it makes them a bad mom," says Sonia, who believes the opposite is true. "It makes me a better mother. It clears my head and allows me to focus on my child." Mary says it's important to be a responsible smoker "by doing it mindfully, only when I have downtime."

Sonia has a 2-year-old and is a few years away from the dreaded drug talk. But she doesn't plan to hide her habit from her son. "I want to be honest, I don't want him to feel marijuana is an evil thing," said Sonia. Mary says she's very open about her drug use with her daughter, Sierra. "We talk about responsible use pretty often," says Mary. Both women say they never smoke in the house or in front of their children.

There's a lot of debate over how to talk to kids about using drugs without sounding like a hypocrite, especially if you're the one hitting the bong. Zero-tolerance proponents believe you must support abstinence only. But advocates say a more real-world approach is to discuss drug use in moderation. This method is detailed in a pamphlet called "Safety First: A Reality-Based Approach to Teens and Drugs," which is distributed by the California PTA.

This growing group of ganja smokers certainly has the attention of lawmakers. A renewed debate is heating up over legalizing (or at minimum, taxing the medicinal sales of) marijuana to cash in on this potential cash cow. According to NORML, marijuana remains the fourth largest cash crop in America, in spite of the estimated $10 billion that law enforcement spends annually to attempt to outlaw the plant. In California, marijuana is the number-one cash crop. Thirteen states have laws on the books that allow for medicinal use of marijuana. The most recent federal survey finds more than 100 million Americans have tried pot at some point, and more than 14 million used it in the past month. "I think a lot of moms are starting to loosen up," says Sonia.

Both of these moms support legalizing marijuana. "It will help our economy, help our state, and take away that stigma," said Sonia. Mary believes pot smoking should be about personal choice, not politics. "I'm an adult and I make life or death decisions every day. The drug war has killed lots of people; smoking pot hasn't killed anyone."

* * *

Should pot smoking be a valid personal choice, even though it's illegal?

Is it okay for moms to smoke pot around their kids?  Why or why not?

Should marijuana be legalized?

[DejaVooDoo]

I don't altogether agree with prescribing pot for anxiety.  If something is making you anxious, then there is a core/root to the problem.  All pot does is blanket that and stop people from facing their demons.  I find that these women are using stupid excuses for smoking something that they legitimately want. Does it make them criminals?  Yes.  I agree with the legalisation of MJ and that all people are held for their own behaviour.  But I do not agree with breaking the law, and endangering a child by placing yourself in sensitive matters and possible arrest.  If you get it illegally then face the consequences, I don't feel sorry for you.

[survivorinohio]

Should pot smoking be a valid personal choice, even though it's illegal?

Absolutely, and it shouldnt be illegal. Alcohol is widely accepted, even encouraged in our society  and is much more dangerous than marijuana.

Is it okay for moms to smoke pot around their kids?  Why or why not?

Its ok for moms to smoke and be around their kids but I dont think smoking anything in the vicinity of kids is right.  I dont think a mother under the influence of mj is a danger to her children at all, however for many I think it is an end of the day kids in bed thing when used recreationally.

When a mother is suffering from an ailment like chronic pain, or even more serious issues like combating nausea from Chemo, marijuana  impairs  a person much less than commonly prescribed pharmaceuticals.

Should marijuana be legalized?

Yes

[survivorinohio]

Quoting DejaVooDoo:

I don't altogether agree with prescribing pot for anxiety.  If something is making you anxious, then there is a core/root to the problem.  All pot does is blanket that and stop people from facing their demons.  I find that these women are using stupid excuses for smoking something that they legitimately want. Does it make them criminals?  Yes.  I agree with the legalisation of MJ and that all people are held for their own behaviour.  But I do not agree with breaking the law, and endangering a child by placing yourself in sensitive matters and possible arrest.  If you get it illegally then face the consequences, I don't feel sorry for you.

The biggest reason I would support its use for anxiety is because of the danger of liver issues that arises form many of the meds commonly prescribed for anxiety.  If you listen to the side affects in the commercials or read the fine print, marijuana looks like a much safer drug for such ailments. 

Aside from side effects many anti anxiety/antidepression meds are chemically addictive which brings its own issues.

Marijuana is not chemically addictive, there is no "detox" or weaning.

[DejaVooDoo]

Quoting survivorinohio:

Quoting DejaVooDoo:

I don't altogether agree with prescribing pot for anxiety.  If something is making you anxious, then there is a core/root to the problem.  All pot does is blanket that and stop people from facing their demons.  I find that these women are using stupid excuses for smoking something that they legitimately want. Does it make them criminals?  Yes.  I agree with the legalisation of MJ and that all people are held for their own behaviour.  But I do not agree with breaking the law, and endangering a child by placing yourself in sensitive matters and possible arrest.  If you get it illegally then face the consequences, I don't feel sorry for you.

The biggest reason I would support its use for anxiety is because of the danger of liver issues that arises form many of the meds commonly prescribed for anxiety.  If you listen to the side affects in the commercials or read the fine print, marijuana looks like a much safer drug for such ailments. 

Aside from side effects many anti anxiety/antidepression meds are chemically addictive which brings its own issues.

Marijuana is not chemically addictive, there is no "detox" or weaning.

I fully support all people to have legalised marijuana.  I don't even believe that government should have any role when it comes to self preservation.  If a person wishes to smoke pot they should.  If a person wishes to drink alcohol they should.  If a person wants to choose something as well that is not so savoury then they can also choose that route as well.

BUT I don't believe that people should through illegal activity gain MJ.  If it is set for medical reasons and is decriminalised for people with illness, then sure that is fine; they are gaining it legally.  BUT illegally there is no knowing the source of where your plant is coming from, and what exactly they may choose to add, plus the quality. 

If a person is mentally ill, do we tell them to go and have a drink, a smoke, or sniff coke?  No.  We face that problem by evaluating that illness and addressing it.  On the other hand MJ will deface and devalue the problem by not facing that obstacle head on.  We cannot avoid certain situations or mental illness in real life.  Chemical based mental trauma is just that - chemical.  MJ is only going to alter the chemical reaction in the brain temporarily resulting in the person suffering from a downer when they come out of it.  This would result in an addiction pattern in itself - Not physically, but mentally.  If a Doctor wants to prescribe MJ to a patient due to psychological depression caused by chemical factors (or trauma based) then basically they are a tool.  I can understand why these people would go to doctors... Just say you are depressed and legally you can get it.  But it shouldn't have to be like this.  If a person wants it, they should have it.  Even if I don't agree with reasons why it should be prescribed - If a person wants to live in a temporary fantasy world they should.

ETA:  And even though it may seem a contradiction of itself that I don't agree with certain prescriptions, but then agree with legalisation - Is that a person shouldn't have to make excuses in order to use it.  "I suffer from anxiety and it puts me into chillax mode" shouldn't have to be a reason.  You simply enjoy smoking pot is the bottom punchline. 

[survivorinohio]

Quoting DejaVooDoo:

Quoting survivorinohio:

Quoting DejaVooDoo:

I don't altogether agree with prescribing pot for anxiety.  If something is making you anxious, then there is a core/root to the problem.  All pot does is blanket that and stop people from facing their demons.  I find that these women are using stupid excuses for smoking something that they legitimately want. Does it make them criminals?  Yes.  I agree with the legalisation of MJ and that all people are held for their own behaviour.  But I do not agree with breaking the law, and endangering a child by placing yourself in sensitive matters and possible arrest.  If you get it illegally then face the consequences, I don't feel sorry for you.

The biggest reason I would support its use for anxiety is because of the danger of liver issues that arises form many of the meds commonly prescribed for anxiety.  If you listen to the side affects in the commercials or read the fine print, marijuana looks like a much safer drug for such ailments. 

Aside from side effects many anti anxiety/antidepression meds are chemically addictive which brings its own issues.

Marijuana is not chemically addictive, there is no "detox" or weaning.

I fully support all people to have legalised marijuana.  I don't even believe that government should have any role when it comes to self preservation.  If a person wishes to smoke pot they should.  If a person wishes to drink alcohol they should.  If a person wants to choose something as well that is not so savoury then they can also choose that route as well.

BUT I don't believe that people should through illegal activity gain MJ.  If it is set for medical reasons and is decriminalised for people with illness, then sure that is fine; they are gaining it legally.  BUT illegally there is no knowing the source of where your plant is coming from, and what exactly they may choose to add, plus the quality. 

If a person is mentally ill, do we tell them to go and have a drink, a smoke, or sniff coke?  No.  We face that problem by evaluating that illness and addressing it.  On the other hand MJ will deface and devalue the problem by not facing that obstacle head on.  We cannot avoid certain situations or mental illness in real life.  Chemical based mental trauma is just that - chemical.  MJ is only going to alter the chemical reaction in the brain temporarily resulting in the person suffering from a downer when they come out of it.  This would result in an addiction pattern in itself - Not physically, but mentally.  If a Doctor wants to prescribe MJ to a patient due to psychological depression caused by chemical factors (or trauma based) then basically they are a tool.  I can understand why these people would go to doctors... Just say you are depressed and legally you can get it.  But it shouldn't have to be like this.  If a person wants it, they should have it.  Even if I don't agree with reasons why it should be prescribed - If a person wants to live in a temporary fantasy world they should.

One of the sources of confusion and frustration in this debate is the inconsistency in law here in the US.  There are several areas where decriminalization at some level has occurred.  Here in Ohio possession of less than 100 grams is a minor charge much like a traffic ticket, it  carries a 100 dollar fine.

In another area I was told tonight that 30 grams was punishable by 1 yr imprisonment.  In still other areas locally mj possession is not prosecuted at all.This variance causes confusion in the definition of risk and or criminal activity.

The mentally ill need to be assessed before any meds are prescribed and if mj is shown to control a symtom as well or better than another prescribed med then it should be administered. 

There are some differences in the drugs you mention , firstly each is altered from its natural form except marijuana.  Coca leaves had their place in society in parts of the world for centuries, there was not an issue with the behaviors associated with cocaine addiction until that drug was refined.  

Alcohol is literally one of the most dangerous and addictive drugs available.  The withdrawal from alcohol can and does kill people. 

I dont think there is a comparison, a person may indeed form a dependency emotionally as they could to anything really, but the danger of real chemical addiction does not exist with mj.

I would also dispute the amount of fantasy world that mj provides.  I do not find it to be much more than a slight relaxant in the people I know who smoke it recreationally.  They are not criminals in any other part of their lives, but rather upstanding citizens.  Productive in all aspects of their lives.

[survivorinohio]

Quoting DejaVooDoo:

Quoting survivorinohio:

Quoting DejaVooDoo:

ETA:  And even though it may seem a contradiction of itself that I don't agree with certain prescriptions, but then agree with legalisation - Is that a person shouldn't have to make excuses in order to use it.  "I suffer from anxiety and it puts me into chillax mode" shouldn't have to be a reason.  You simply enjoy smoking pot is the bottom punchline. 

I so appreciate what you are saying and I am all for personal accountability and honesty.  Excuses are not healthy for personal growth.

I just really believe it to be a legitimate alternative to meds that are much more dangerous. 

In the end , yes i think it should be totally legal, but that does not circumvent its potential in the field of medicine.

[EireLass]

I'm 51 and smoke pot. Obviously my kids aren't little anymore, nor do they live with me. I drink very very little, as I don't like the immediate or after effects. I never had alcohol (or drugs) in the house while they were growing up. I don't like the message that casual drinking sends. My kids know I smoke (and it's only occassionally). If the police ever came in and saw me, or found the amount in my house, there woudl be no trouble. I live in MA. 

[greenlvnanna]

I would love to have some pot, but I don't because I stay out of illegal activity for the sake of my kids.  As soon as that stuff becomes legal MJ will be a new guest in my garden. I'll harvest it but probably won't smoke it, my body has a really hard time with smoking.  If I did smoke it I would not do it around my kids cuz smoking is unhealthy.  I'll definitely eat it and drink it. It would be my drug of choice for unwinding for sure. 

[IhartU]

 

Should pot smoking be a valid personal choice, even though it's illegal?

Go right ahead and smoke if getting high is worth the risk of fines, jail time and having your kids taken away.

Is it okay for moms to smoke pot around their kids?  Why or why not?

No. I don't care what anyone says, it inhibits you're parenting skills and ability to do simple things. What if thre was an emergency and you're child's life was in danger? Is your 'high' going to suddenly dissapate and you'll be able to think with a clear mind? I think not.

Should marijuana be legalized?

No.

[trippyhippy]

I think smoking pot (I do it legally here in Cali) has made me a better mother.  My son has moderate to severe autism and is mostly nonverbal.  Because of this he has severe behavioral issues so most days I am getting hit, bit and scratched  and by the end of the day I am ready to pull my hair out, scream and cry.  Smoking a bowl at the end of the day helps me to relax, calm down and shake off the drama of the day.  I would definatley be a more stressed out, overwhelmed mom without my medical marijuana.