Being a parent is rewarding in countless ways. It can also present many challenges that lead to frustration, stress, and worry. But, instead of feeling deflated, you can use cannabis to feel energized, calm, rested, and present for your kids.
Let’s explore the reasons why cannabis can help make you a better parent and feel better all around.
You can get better sleep and become more rested
The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute says that “sleep helps your brain work properly. Sleep also helps you pay attention, make decisions, and be creative.” As a parent, you know firsthand how hard it is to function without a good night’s sleep.
So, when there are options available to you, such as cannabis, it could be worthwhile to give it a try. Here is some science that supports consuming cannabis for rejuvenating sleep.
One study found that of the participants who had trouble sleeping, 79% said their quality of sleep increased after using cannabis.
Even more, a 1973 study published in Psychopharmacology revealed that taking a 20 mg dose of THC helped patients fall asleep. This dose reduced the time it took them to fall asleep by more than one hour.
You are more calm and centered
Everything seems to fall right into place when you are calm and focused. But, how will you achieve that state? The anxiolytic effects of CBD can bring relief to anxious feelings and angst. So, that’s one option for you.
As a word of advice, if you consume CBD for the calming properties, ingesting it orally will prolong the effects for up to eight hours.
Increases appetite, so you can eat more meals with your kids
We have specific receptors in our bodies that respond to cannabis intake, referred to as CB1 and CB2. The CB1 receptor is closely associated with appetite regulation. This is the case because they exist in the stomach, intestinal tissue, hypothalamus, limbic forebrain, and reward center of the brain. All play a significant part in food intake and appetite.
So, when you consume cannabis, you may be inspired to prepare meals at home. Cooking a meal and then taking the time to sit down and eat together is a great way to bond with your children.
Helps you focus and become more engaged
Cannabis can improve your concentration and focus. Patients with ADD and ADHD have successfully treated their symptoms using cannabis. It’s important to note that improvement in focus is specific to the cannabis strain and the dose administered. To start, it’s recommended to consume only a few milligrams at a time.
One of the main reasons cannabis can help you focus, is due to its pinene content. A cannabis strain rich in pinene can improve your focus, motivation, and memory. Make sure the strain you choose comes from the sativa plant, because it’s properties are uplifting and energizing.
Some typical examples of sativa strains that can help you focus are; Jack Herer, Island Sweet Skunk, and Strawberry Cough.
Gives you more patience
Because a child models their behavior after his or her parents, being a patient parent can add tremendous value to your life and theirs. How can cannabis help you show more patience? Let’s look at a few examples together.
The Guardian, a British Newspaper, asked 200 parents about using cannabis to make them better parents. One mom, named Lisa from the UK had this to say about it. “Weed makes me a better, calmer, more interactive parent. I ask my daughter more questions and have the patience to sit and teach her new things. It’s bought us closer.”
Jane Lanza is a yoga teacher and certified in cannabis science and medicine through the University of Vermont’s College of Medicine. As a mother, she says cannabis, “amplifies positive feelings for me, so I experience greater love, patience, and compassion when it comes to my kids.”
Given Jane’s subject matter expertise, she says Cannabis takes an “alchemy of all the right factors” for it to work therapeutically. So, the right strain, the way it’s ingested, the physical environmental setting, and time of day all come into play.
Relaxation is essential when dealing with stressful situations
Without relaxing your body and mind it becomes difficult to handle stress. And as a parent, you know that raising children comes with a fair amount of stress. Besides using relaxation techniques such as yoga and meditation, cannabis can also help you relax.
A study by the Journal of Affective Disorders, found that 72% of daily cannabis users said cannabis helped them relax and relieve tension. This study also reported that cannabis strains high in THC and high in CBD were best for reducing stress-related symptoms. Strains with a concentration of 26.5% THC or more and 11% CBD or more, yielded the most significant changes in stress.
Indica, one of the major types of cannabis plants, induces relaxing and sedative effects. For daytime use, look for an Indica strain with a low to medium percentage of THC so that you won’t feel tired.
If you want to relax before bed and the kids are asleep, a higher THC percentage will help you relax and sleep through the night better.
Reduce chronic pain to help get off painkillers and be more present
Suffering from chronic pain can wreak havoc on daily life. And when kids are in the mix, the pain can prevent you from playing and interacting the way you want to. When conventional medications don’t work, people seek other alternatives. This is where cannabis comes in.
Cannabis has been shown to ease chronic pain. Research has proven the efficacy of THC and CBD in this area because of its ability to reduce inflammation and neuropathic pain. Also, it’s a safer alternative to pain relieving (NSAID) medications like Tylenol and Advil.
Final thoughts
Your interest in this article shows that you strive to be the best parent possible for your kids. Along with everything else you are doing, adding cannabis to your routine could make significant improvements to your parenting abilities.
*Cannabis affects everyone in different ways. Before consuming cannabis, discuss with your provider to see which strain, dose, and route of administration is best for you. And as always, consult your physician before changing medications or taking a new supplement.
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