Oftentimes, when people think of cannabis consumers, they may not think of the mom next door. But as the stigma associated with cannabis wanes, more moms are openly proclaiming the impact cannabis has made in their lives. When moms are relieved of pain, feel relaxed, or get a good night’s sleep, they can be fully present in their lives and in the lives of their children.
To celebrate Mother’s Day, we are highlighting three Ethos Cannabis moms share how cannabis plays a role in their lives as patients, professionals, and as parents.
Alleviating post-partum depression and postpartum anxiety
Heather Paul, Marketing Coordinator for Ethos Pennsylvania, was diagnosed with postpartum depression (PPD) and postpartum anxiety (PPA) after the birth of her first child, now 6 years old. She says she was prescribed several medications to help manage the two conditions, but she was hesitant to take so many pharmaceuticals. She started to explore cannabis to help her manage the symptoms of anxiety and depression. With that routine down pat, one medication, and an awareness of how the two conditions manifest, Heather successfully navigated two more pregnancies with her PPD and PPA in check.
Heather says she finds relief in an ingestible product with a 1 to 1 ratio of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) to Cannabidiol (CBD). This balance helps her calm down while remaining clear-headed and fully present with her family. That’s because these phytocannabinoids modulate transmission associated with anxiety: THC can either agitate or quell anxiety, while CBD modulates THC’s impact on the brain while having its own calming effect. Researchers believe this ratio is key to how cannabis helps anxiety.
“My postpartum depression makes me agitated, and if I don’t have it under control, I end up breaking down. That’s not the kind of mom I want to be. Cannabis helps me get through my PPD and PPA so I can get my kids on the bus or relax after a long day to help my moods.
It’s amazing how many moms I know who are first beginning to talk about how cannabis helps them, when it used to be such a taboo thing. People joke about drinking a bottle of wine at the end of a bad day – why is that OK, but saying you’re going to have an edible is looked down upon? That’s so important to remember.”
– Heather Paul, Marketing Coordinator, Ethos Pennsylvania; mother to three children, aged toddler to 6
Cannabis to assist with a better night’s sleep
Rachel Migone, Patient Coordinator at Ethos – Rockville, has struggled with insomnia for years. Sleep medication never worked, either leaving her feeling groggy the following day or not having any effect at all. Raising two children only further wore away at her nighttime routine, disrupting what little sleep she could get. At the suggestion of a friend, she registered the medical cannabis program in 2019 to look for help from cannabis produc.
While the research on cannabis and insomnia is still ongoing, Migone credits microdosing cannabis edibles – taking small amounts throughout the day – with helping her get a few hours of quality sleep each night. She says her insomnia has gotten less severe over time, but microdosing and vaping flower at night help her get the shut eye she needs to be attentive, alert, and engaged with her children.
“When you’re a parent to a newborn, you just don’t get to sleep. When you have insomnia and you get an opportunity to sleep, you can’t sleep. I was not a nice person to be around without sleep. When I learned how to consume cannabis for insomnia, it made a huge difference. My kids noticed I was nicer in the morning. I have way more patience than I ever had before. To call it ‘life-transforming’ may be a little exaggerated, but it’s close.”
– Rachel Migone, Patient Coordinator, Ethos Rockville; mom to two children, ages 13 and 6
Relaxing for health and building family connection
Angela Lopez, Financial Controller for Ethos Cannabis, was diagnosed with arteriosclerosis in 2019. This condition, which thickens the artery walls, limits the flow of oxygen to her brain and puts her at higher risk for a stroke. Much of the treatment regimen for arteriosclerosis is anchored in lifestyle modifications like healthy eating, exercise, and relaxation.
Eating right and working out came more naturally to Lopez than relaxing. A mom to five children with a busy job to boot, winding down was not as simple as following doctor’s orders. When her husband, a Rastafarian with a deep understanding of cannabis, suggested she try cannabis to help her relax, she initially balked at the idea. She says she grew up with a negative connotation of cannabis and she had not considered it for medical use. With his encouragement, Lopez tried cannabis for the first time and realized that what she thought growing up – that cannabis was dangerous and has no medical value – was not the case.
Cannabis is now a part of Lopez’s relaxation routine. Along with activities like roller skating, hiking, and paddleboarding that the family enjoys together – Angela says they refer to themselves as “The Fun Family” – cannabis products help Lopez unwind at the end of a busy day, achieving relaxation just like the doctor ordered.
“Cannabis helps me stay relaxed, which contributes to me being a better mom. I’m an open book with my children about my condition and cannabis, and they know cannabis is a medicine and a plant just like apples and pears. Sometimes, they hear other things in school or from friends, but this education begins at home. Moms play an important role in educating the next generation about cannabis.”
– Angela Lopez, Financial Controller, Ethos Cannabis; Mother to five children, aged 9 to 27
Whether you’re experienced with cannabis or you’re a canna-curious mom, we at Ethos are here to help you feel better. Explore our resources to learn more about how cannabis works, how to speak with your child about cannabis, and to find an Ethos location near you, where our associates can help answer your questions.
- What To Expect When Consuming Cannabis
- What Devices Do You Need To Consume Cannabis?
- Cannabis Product Options
- How To Talk To Your Child About Cannabis
