How to Be a Weed Mom: Advice from Mothers who are Destigmatizing Cannabis

If you’re a mom who chooses to medicate with cannabis: whether you use weed as a substitute for pharmaceuticals or alcohol; to manage chronic pain or stress; or just because it makes you feel better, that choice has sometimes been historically misunderstood by society. Cannabis use by mothers has been demonized by friends, family, exes and even in court. This is an archaic viewpoint but it’s still not uncommon for people to judge when a mom uses weed. It can be isolating to know if you should mention your cannabis use to other mothers. Maybe they won’t understand or you’ll feel judged. How do you know how your friends might feel about weed? However, there is a community of CannaMoms who are proving moms who use cannabis are not bad moms. Their visibility is helping to break the stigma around weed and prove that there’s nothing wrong with using cannabis with intention if you have kids.

We asked cannabis mothers what advice they would give to other mothers who might be self-conscious about their cannabis use. Here are their responses. Follow them and stay updated on what these incredible women are doing to push the narrative around motherhood and weed forward!

Tyler Rae Edwards (@TylerTherapy)

Tyler Rae Edwards (@TylerTherapy) aka BAD MUTHAPUFFA, is a well renowned Cannabis Influencer who has implemented her creative content and MUTHAPUFFA touch on the cannabis industry. She stands as a trailblazer for WOC and POC in the space, as she constantly reminds her audience of the hardships Black and Brown People face in this industry. Tyler channels her knowledge of the plant and talented acting and music skills into catchy bops and entertaining skits that break the stigma. She shows us all how we can activate our inner BAD MUTHAPUFFA by choosing to live a healthy cannabis lifestyle and demonstrates how you can literally DO IT ALL while being inspired by cannabis! And did we mention, she’s a MOTHER!? A #CANNAMOM OG to be exact! She leads a union of Canna Moms from all over, inspiring mothers daily. She supports mothers who medicate at all stages of motherhood, including pregnancy and offers a safe space for mothers who seek support on her @CannaMomOG page. Get to know more of Tyler Therapy, the BADDEST MUTHAPUFFA IN THE MUTHAPUFFIN GAME, on Instagram, YouTube, and dive into #BADMUTHAPUFFANATION at www.BADMUTHAPUFFA.com.

Tyler’s Advice: I would love to encourage mothers to choose plant medicine over pharmaceutical meds. Cannabis only helps us to be better parents to our children and my hope is to create a safe space for mothers to keep an open mind and be the Canna Mom OG I know they can be! Be open and honest with your children and educate children on the plant. Be responsible and practice proper weed etiquette. You can indeed do it all! Cannabis only enhances your performance as a SUPER MOM!

Shana’e and Gabby @MomsWhoCannabis

Shana’e and Gabby, creators of Moms Who Cannabis, are two California canna mamas with a passion for the plant, high vibes, community, and women’s wellness. Their Instagram community is an open, diverse, fun and safe space for all like minded mamas who enjoy plant medicine alternatives and self care rituals. Their goal is to help more moms come out of the “canna-closet”, promote the many ways to enjoy and consume the plant and it’s benefits, prioritize self-care, and normalize cannabis in pregnancy and motherhood. 

Shana’e and Gabby’s advice: We are nature. Cannabis is nature. Pregnancy is nature. Motherhood is nature. Always choose nature. -Moms Who Cannabis 

Jessica Gonzales @themommyjane

Jessica Gonzalez is an internationally recognized and published health and wellness influencer, author and mother to two young girls in Northern California. 

After years of prescription drug, food and alcohol abuse destroyed her life, Jessica rediscovered cannabis as a wellness tool in her early 30’s and through the power of the plant, got off her prescription drugs for anxiety and depression and completely changed her relationship with alcohol and herself.

Wanting to share her experience with other mothers in mind, Jessica created a virtual “Neighborhood” via her Instagram page @themommyjane where she shares her life as a mom and entrepreneur in the cannabis industry.

Jessica truly believes cannabis saved her life, and loves inspiring her "Neighbors” to become advocates of their own health and wellness, often sharing ways to consume more mindfully and live more consciously; focusing on the fact that cannabis education and normalization, like everything else, starts at home.

Recently, Jessica partnered with cannabis community powerhouse, Tokeativity to condense years of notes and experiences in the cannabis and influencer industry to create a step by step guide on how to mindfully grow your own personal brand on social media launching May 2022. 

Jessica’s advice: Have you ever looked at the locations of receptors in our endocannabinoid system? A majority of them reside in the female reproductive system. Therefore balancing our endocannabinoid system is essential for healthy hormone signaling and reproductive health. So don't you ever tell me that Mary Jane was not meant for mothers. Our bodies are literally meant to receive its magic.

Beryl Soloman, @Poplar

Beryl Soloman is the Founder of Poplar, Your Modern Drug Store. Poplar, the first multi-brand CBD e-tailer, curates the best cannabis wellness products and experiences.
Beryl conceptualized Poplar in 2017 after personally adding cannabis to her health and wellness routine and decreasing her pharmaceutical anti-anxiety/antidepressant dosage. She is on a mission to help destigmatize Cannabis and demonstrate firsthand that cannabis is a powerful health and wellness tool that can fit into your life!
Prior to transitioning into wellness & cannabis, Beryl was a Fashion and Retail Executive focused on creating and growing best-in-class brands such as Theory, Kate Spade, Pamela Love, and STATE Bags.

Beryl’s advice: Don’t let that one brownie experience 20 years ago impact your view of the plant today! Cannabis has come such a long way - yes, it can fit into your life!

Danielle Simone Brand, @weedmomauthor

Danielle Simone Brand is a cannabis journalist and the author of Weed Mom: The Canna-Curious Woman's Guide to Healthier Relaxation, Happier Parenting, and Chilling TF Out (Ulysses Press, 2020). A few years ago, she wouldn't have self-described as a "weedmom" but she's found her sparkle in writing about cannabis to inform, uplift, and occasionally challenge her readers while helping push the conversation forward. Her articles have appeared in numerous publications including New York Times, Women & Weed, The Week, Civilized, Vice, Double Blind, What’s Up Moms, and Scary Mommy. She holds a BA from Dartmouth College and an MA from American University and has worked as a yoga teacher and trainer, a staff writer, and a researcher on issues of international conflict resolution. Danielle lives in the Northwest with her family and a very barky terrier.

Danielle’s Advice: Being a present mom and partner, fulfilling all your roles at work, and showing up for your own self-care are all 100% compatible with being a mindful cannabis consumer. With a little knowledge, many moms now confidently utilize cannabis and other plant medicines to help them sleep better, have less pain, and boost their moods naturally. Together, we can help change the stigmas and stereotypes about cannabis consumers—and change the whole narrative around the plant for the next generation while we're at it.

Melissa Nowitz, @melissanowitz

In 2014, after our third child was born, I began suffering from postpartum depression and anxiety. Acknowledging, first to myself and then to my support system (my family), that I was not feeling well, I found a great healthcare provider and a wonderful therapist to help me manage my mental health, as well as recognize that some of my symptoms also stemmed from suppressed past trauma. We started with a treatment plan using anti-depression and anxiety medications and it took some trial and error for us to find the right combination that would work best for me. I began experimenting with cannabis in 2018 for medicinal purposes to help with symptoms of anxiety and depression and overtime I was able to find a good balance between cannabis and pharmaceuticals. With the help of cannabis, I am currently working with my health care provider on tapering down and out of the remaining prescription medication that I am taking, and I'm hoping to be pharmaceutical free in the future. It has by no means been an easy road and I feel like there are a lot of women out there who are in a similar situation as me.

Melissa’s Advice: Being public about my mental health challenges, my cannabis use and communicating how it has helped me, is in an effort to reach my goal of breaking the stigma of cannabis use by women and moms. I urge anyone who is not feeling well and struggling with their mental health to reach out to someone, anyone for support, and find a health care provider that they are comfortable with to help. There is a light at the end of the tunnel, it may seem long and dark, but eventually you will get there. Hang in there, stay the course and know that you are not alone.

Jannine Mackinnon, @UnapologeticMotherhood

Jannine Mackinnon is the CEO and Founder of Unapologetic Motherhood, where she empowers women to live unapologetically themselves through access to information, and resources about cannabis, sex, finances, women’s health, relationships, and so much more.

Her Unapologetic Mom’s Club connects women with vetted credible experts through weekly interviews and monthly workshops where members can dive deep into the topics that matter most to them, all while connecting with a community of like-minded moms who practice living holistically and intentionally.

Jannine’s advice: Be unapologetic in the choices you make in motherhood. Cannabis is an incredible wellness tool and unfortunately many people don't understand that. Do your research, be confident in your choices with the plant, and don't let other people shame you or sway your decisions. You know what's right for you and your family!

Sabrina, @wholetmebeamom

My name is Sabrina. I am a Wife, a Mother of two and I am a content creator focused on making cannabis consumption normalized for mothers. My content encourages women to use responsibly and to be confident in using Cannabis by doing their own research and being honest with themselves about why they use Cannabis. I also host Mom Meet-Ups in California because in a world full of judgment I feel it is important to provide a safe place for Canna-Moms to meet like-minded friends. I believe that ending the stigma begins at home with our kids, our family and friends through open conversations and education.
Sabrina’s advice: I didn’t choose Cannabis because it makes me a good Mom, I chose Cannabis because side effects from prescription meds will make me a Bad Mom.

Sara Curcino, @mom_overtheedge

Sara is a friendly neighbourhood stoner mom and proud creator of a judgment-free, all-inclusive corner of the internet for cannamoms and stoners alike!

Sara’s advice: Life is about balance babe, just do your best!