While I was happy to say goodbye to 2020, the challenges of parenting in the pandemic feel more real today than ever. Almost overnight, moms like me found themselves at the will of crazy school schedules and working from home, taking on the role of caregiver, teacher and earner all at the same time... and with no end in sight. To put it bluntly, the pursuit of being a “good mom” has felt incredibly unrealistic.
For me, it’s been about survival. If I can end the day having gotten through my young daughters Distance Learning, some home-cooked food, attending my Zoom meetings and still have time to squeeze in a run or 10 minutes of meditation, I consider it a win.
I’ve always leaned on exercise to manage stress and stay healthy, even during my 20+ intense years as an executive in the healthy food and beverage space.
After taking a few years off from work and a regimented active lifestyle to raise my daughter, I decided to jumpstart my fitness routine again but found my recovery to be longer and harder.
Remedies I’d used in the past like acupuncture weren’t as effective. I was encouraged by my fellow workout and former dancer friends to try incorporating low doses of cannabis into my daily routine, and quickly discovered it opened up a whole new world of plant therapy.
As the CEO of a cannabis beverage company, and someone who incorporates cannabis into my daily routine, I’m not at all surprised to see parents turning to cannabis during the pandemic. It’s a great way to de-stress, relax, connect with my spouse, get some sleep, feel lighter…the list goes on. In the same way that airlines tell you to secure your oxygen mask before helping children and those around you, I believe that responsible cannabis use is a form of self-care which leads to being a better partner and parent.
Since the start of the pandemic, 52% of parents who had previously used cannabis had started or increased their cannabis use.
It was important for me and my team to support and celebrate fellow moms who feel this and why decided to launch Moms for Mary, a community of moms sharing their stories and experiences with cannabis. It's our aim to inspire those who are curious to discover how the plant can improve their overall well-being and contribute to ending the unfair stigma surrounding parents’ and responsible cannabis usage.
I’m excited to give you ladies the floor because it’s about time!
If you’re interested in sharing your cannabis journey with us, or just have a funny story to tell, we’d love to hear it. Please email us at [email protected].
