My journey with cannabis for stress relief and overall wellness as a mom.
Motherhood is a beautiful, chaotic, and sometimes overwhelming journey. Between managing household duties, parenting, and balancing my own mental health, the daily pressures can feel like a lot. Over time, I’ve learned that in order to be the best mom I can be, I need to take care of myself first—and for me, cannabis has been a vital part of that self-care journey.
I know that cannabis and parenting is still a taboo subject for many, but I want to share how cannabis has helped me manage stress and improve my overall wellness as a mom.
How It All Started
My relationship with cannabis didn’t begin in motherhood. Like many, I had my first experiences with it in college, but it wasn’t until I became a mom that I truly saw its benefits for stress relief and wellness.
As a new mom, I was overwhelmed by the constant demands of caring for a newborn. Sleepless nights, feeding schedules, and the general anxiety of wanting to do everything perfectly took a toll on my mental health. I struggled with anxiety and stress in ways I hadn’t anticipated. It felt like I was constantly in overdrive, never getting a moment to breathe or center myself.
After researching natural ways to help manage my stress, I decided to reintroduce cannabis into my life—but this time, with more intention and mindfulness.
Finding the Right Balance
One of the first things I learned on my journey was that not all cannabis is created equal. Different strains, THC levels, and consumption methods can have varying effects. I knew I didn’t want to be “out of it” or disconnected from my responsibilities as a mom, so I focused on finding the right balance.
I started experimenting with microdosing—taking very small amounts of cannabis to experience subtle effects. Microdosing allows me to reduce stress and anxiety without feeling overly impaired or foggy. It helps me feel more calm and centered, which is exactly what I need during the hectic moments of motherhood.
For daytime stress relief, I usually turn to strains with higher CBD content or low-THC sativa strains. These help keep me focused and energized while taking the edge off my stress. In the evenings, after Emberly is asleep, I’ll sometimes opt for an indica strain to help me relax and unwind from the day.
Incorporating Cannabis Into My Wellness Routine
Cannabis has become a key part of my overall wellness routine, complementing other practices that help me stay grounded. Here’s how I incorporate it into my self-care:
1. Morning Mindfulness with Cannabis
Some days, I start my mornings with a low-dose edible or a couple of drops of CBD oil. This helps me begin the day feeling calm and clear-headed. Pairing this with a short meditation or journaling session sets a positive tone for the day ahead, helping me tackle whatever comes my way.
2. Midday Reset with Microdosing
On especially stressful days, I’ll take a microdose in the afternoon. This is usually when I need a mental reset, especially after juggling work and mom duties. I find that microdosing during the day helps me stay patient, present, and less reactive to the small frustrations that inevitably pop up.
3. Evening Wind-Down with Cannabis
Once Emberly is in bed, it’s my time to decompress. I love to relax with a cannabis-infused bath bomb or enjoy a low-dose edible while reading or watching a show. Cannabis helps me quiet the mental noise and fully relax after a long day of mom life.
How Cannabis Helps with Stress Management
The most noticeable impact cannabis has had on my life is in how it helps me manage stress. Motherhood is inherently stressful—there’s no way around that—but cannabis has given me a tool to keep that stress from overwhelming me.
1. Easing Anxiety
There are moments in every day when anxiety hits. Whether it’s worrying about parenting decisions or juggling multiple responsibilities, my mind sometimes races with anxiety. Cannabis, especially CBD-dominant products, helps calm my nerves and keeps me from spiraling into a full-blown anxious state.
2. Improving Patience
When I’m feeling stressed, my patience is the first thing to go. Cannabis helps me slow down, breathe, and handle situations with more grace. Instead of getting frustrated when Emberly is fussy or things don’t go as planned, I’m able to keep a level head and respond with kindness and understanding.
3. Promoting Better Sleep
As any mom will tell you, sleep is precious. Cannabis has been a game-changer for me when it comes to winding down and getting quality rest. After a long day, an indica strain or a CBD sleep aid helps me fall asleep faster and wake up feeling more rested—ready to take on another day.
Addressing the Stigma
Even though cannabis has helped me tremendously, I’m aware of the stigma that still surrounds it—especially for moms. Many people still associate cannabis use with being irresponsible or lazy, which couldn’t be further from the truth.
The reality is that cannabis, when used mindfully and responsibly, can be a powerful tool for self-care. It’s no different than having a glass of wine to relax or using a natural supplement to improve your wellness. The key is to find what works best for you and your family, without letting societal judgment stand in your way.
I’m open about my cannabis use because I believe in normalizing the conversation. Moms need to know that it’s okay to explore different options for managing stress and that cannabis can be a safe and effective choice.
Finding What Works for You
Cannabis isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, and it may not be right for everyone. But for me, it’s been a natural way to manage stress, improve my mental health, and show up as a better, more balanced mom for my daughter.
If you’re curious about trying cannabis for stress relief, start small. Experiment with different methods (edibles, tinctures, vapes) and find a dosage that works for your lifestyle. And most importantly, remember that self-care isn’t selfish. Taking care of your own wellness is the best thing you can do for your family.
Have you tried using cannabis for stress relief? Share your experiences or questions in the comments! Let’s open up the conversation about how cannabis can play a role in wellness for moms.