Let´s Be Better Canna-Parents
I was 8 years old when I realized what my Father did for a living. It was one conversation overheard that put together all the pieces for me and it registered; My Dad sells Marijuana. Left out rolling trays with crumbs that did not make it into the rolled Zigzag, leaving my backpack in the car meant I would smell like Dank at school, and if the scale is out, do not distract my Dad and his friends – they are busy. I knew what the “Devils Lettuce” was because once a year D.A.R.E. was coming to our school and educating us on how Marijuana is a gateway drug and how to “Just say no to drugs.” My Father was not the messy, lazy person they warned you about. When it came to my sister and me, he was funny, spontaneous, an exceptional provider and did anything he could to keep us happy. The love and quality time was never lacking, but his responsibility as a parent to “use wisely” and set a good example was.
Twenty years later, the Cannabis industry has changed. It is becoming more socially acceptable for parents to smoke and consume Marijuana as part of their day-to-day life, but the stigma lingers. It is up to us to break the “Pothead” stereotype and paint the way for future generations. By providing insight and leading by example, I can enlighten my son about this plant and show him that it does not affect one’s morals. As a parent, I am accountable for the way my son views Cannabis.
Naturally, kids are curious and will start asking questions and, if he is old enough to comprehend, I will explain to him that I use Cannabis to alleviate the symptoms of PTSD like anxiety and insomnia. I will inform him of why others may be using it like chronic pain, seizures, cancer, and since I want to be honest, enjoyment. I will let him know that he should wait till he is of age because his brain is still developing and it could affect him long term. My parents didn’t have open discussions with me about Marijuana, they just told me not to do it, and we all know what happens when you tell a kid, “No.” I can’t keep his friends from offering it to him and I can’t stop him from trying it, but I can be open and honest in hopes that he takes in this information and makes rational decisions.
The reason I came forward as a Canna-parent is to show people you can be a Cannabis user and still be a good Mom, a good person and a contributing member to society. I can only do that by raising my son with good ethics, displaying good character and finishing school to show him you can still obtain a degree and be successful. Parents are a kids biggest influencers and I need to be a good role model for my son. I’m not perfect, but I definitely won’t be smoking in the car with the windows cracked as my Dad did.
Thirty-three states have approved the use of medical marijuana and eleven have approved recreational use of marijuana. There is no doubt the cannabis industry has a bright future ahead, but let’s make sure our kids do too. Let’s make sure the shame that hovers over Cannabis is a thing of the past. I don’t write to boast about how I’m the better parent, I write to bring awareness that as canna-parents, we need to do our part to end the stigma.
Sabrina Rebolledo is a mother and cannabis advocate. She currently focuses on the stigma surrounding mothers that consume cannabis. Sabrina wants to make all mothers feel welcome to make their own decisions and to ignore the social pressures that make a mother feel insecure. Foller her @WHOLETMEBEAMOM on Instagram.