Karine Cyr, a mother of two from the cannabis legal region of Ottawa in Canada, says smoking pot has made her a better mother.
She says she’s tired of having to keep her cannabis use hidden from friends and family and is set on educating all those around her about its potential benefits.
When I consume cannabis, I do housework, I play with my children. I am more patient with my children, more present. It helps me to be a better mother, a better person.
Karine manages a group of Facebook call Des fleurs ma chere (Flowers my dear). It’s a 600 strong community of cannabis users (mostly women) creating a place without judgment where users can ask questions and share experiences.
Despite Karine’s positive experiences with cannabis, the Canadian Health Ministry warns there may be unintended negative effects of using cannabis whilst parenting.
As cannabis may reduce a person’s ability to pay attention or react to emergencies, whilst parenting high you could miss signs of danger, your babies need to be comforted, or possible cues for hunger.
In her defence, Karine argues cannabis is a far safer alternative to using prescribed anti-depressants or opioids to treat anxiety or depression.
You can join Des fleurs ma chere’s Facebook group. Although, it is a French speaking community.
