Some moms say using marijuana makes them better parents, but experts urge caution when using cannabis around children.
Moms like Rachel Gibbs, a content creator in Texas, share their experiences on social media, with some calling themselves “canna moms” or “garden moms.” Videos tagged with those terms have picked up millions of views across social media platforms.
“We’re not doing this to escape,” Gibbs told ABC. “We’re not doing this to be bad moms. We’re not doing this to get away from our kids. We’re using this as a tool.”
Addiction specialists caution that marijuana and cannabis should not be considered a harmless substance or a safer alternative to alcohol.
Gibbs said cannabis helps her check into motherhood and quiets the static in her head.
“It almost like, turns the background noise off,” said Gibbs. “I’m not zoned out. I’m not in the fridge all day long. I’m not just like sleeping on the couch. My kids aren’t running around — like, that’s not it.”
“I can get down on their level,” Gibbs said. “I have more patience. It’s calmed the nerves down, it’s calmed the fight or flight [response]. It’s now in ‘freeze’ and ‘let’s work it through together’ [mode], like we’re on the same team.”
Data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health shows that more than 64 million Americans have used cannabis in the past year. The CDC also estimates approximately 3 in 10 people have cannabis use disorder.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends adults over 21 not use it in front of children to avoid normalizing substance use, not smoking near children to minimize the effects of secondhand smoke, and keeping any cannabis or marijuana products locked and out of reach from children.
The AAP also says people under 21 should not use cannabis.