Leaves are changing colors, and parents all around the country are gearing up for the much-anticipated back to school season. This can be an exciting but often hectic time of year for parents and guardians! For those who are cannabis advocates, and either use it themselves or administer it to their children, this can be its own unique experience to navigate, specifically with the surrounding stigma.
One of the most misunderstood aspects of being a CannaMom or Dad is when either parent or child consume cannabis. With laws and regulations constantly changing, plus outdated stereotypes due to lack of understanding, this can feel all the more overwhelming when you mix in places of education and other parents and their children.
Whether you’re here to simply learn more about this topic or are a parent seeking further reassurance, we’re here to help break down the ins and outs of going back to school as a CannaMom or Dad so you can do so with confidence.
Navigating Back-to-School Stress with Cannabis
As a parent, this time of year can feel exceptionally hard to manage. Parents who choose to use cannabis may do so for a variety of reasons unique to their needs, including:
- Stress Relief: The juggling act of school schedules, extracurricular activities, and daily household duties can be overwhelming. Cannabis can help to unwind and reduce stress, making it easier to tackle responsibilities.
- Pain Management: Many moms deal with chronic pain, whether from past injuries, childbirth, or the physical demands of parenting. Cannabis’ pain-relieving properties can provide much-needed relief.
- Creativity and Relaxation: Cannabis can enhance creativity and help to find moments of relaxation amid the busy school year. It can also foster deeper connections with our children and partners.
De-stigmatizing Canna Parents
The stigma surrounding CannaMom and Dads is a persistent challenge. Many still associate cannabis use with irresponsible parenting or illicit behavior, when this is absolutely not the case. It’s time to challenge these stereotypes and recognize that CannaMom and Dads are just like any other parents, but with a unique approach to self-care and wellness. Whether you are doing so for yourself, or a loved one, here are ways you can challenge the stigma:
- Education: We must start with education—understanding the science behind cannabis, differentiating between CBD and THC and other cannabinoids, and recognizing their respective benefits and responsible use.
- Open Conversations: Parents who consume cannabis should feel comfortable discussing their choices with friends, family, and healthcare professionals. By sharing our experiences and insights, we can help normalize these conversations.
- Advocate for Regulation: Advocating for sensible cannabis legalization and regulation is essential. A regulated market ensures product quality and safety, making it easier for CannaMom and Dads to access reliable cannabis products.
CBD for Children
CBD, short for cannabidiol, is a non-psychoactive compound found in cannabis that may offer numerous therapeutic benefits for kids, including:
- Anxiety Relief: Starting a new school year can be overwhelming for children. CBD can help reduce anxiety, allowing them to face the challenges of school with more confidence.
- Focus and Concentration: Some children struggle with attention and focus in the classroom. CBD may aid in improving these aspects, enabling them to engage more effectively with their studies.
- Pain Relief: For kids dealing with chronic pain, CBD can provide relief, allowing them to participate fully in school activities.
- Seizure Control: For children with epilepsy or who suffer from seizures, CBD can be a vital piece of their medical treatment.
Whether a child is a medical cannabis patient is up to the parent to decide. For those parents who do require it, we understand what a big responsibility it is to advocate for your children. If you are currently navigating how to administer your child’s medicine throughout the school day, we are here to help.
On-Campus Administration
Back to school for students who are medical cannabis patients can be a challenging time if their medicine is taken throughout the day. Under most state laws, a medical cannabis card or recommendation for pediatrics does not permit the use of medical cannabis on school grounds, on a school bus, or at a school activity unless the county or district has adopted a policy permitting the use.
There are few exceptions in states such as Colorado. In 2021, legislation passed that required school boards to implement policies which would allow possession and self-administration of non smokable medicinal cannabis if prescribed by a licensed health practitioner. However, there are stipulations to these rulings. For example, in Colorado, districts are not required to adopt this policy if the school district loses, or will lose, federal funding as a result of implementing the requirement.
As it stands, along with Colorado, California, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Maine, New Jersey, New Mexico, and Washington have passed similar measures to allow medicinal cannabis use on school grounds. If your child is a medical cannabis patient, it is always best to check in with your school district on their cannabis policy. If you find that their dose needs to be adjusted, a Realm of Caring care specialist is just a phone call away to assist.
Embracing Differences
As the back-to-school season unfolds, we encourage you to remember that CannaMom and Dads are ordinary parents with unique self-care choices. They are just as wonderful parents as any other, who simply believe in the benefits of cannabinoids for their children and for themselves, while still being committed to responsible use. It is possible for a healthy balance between parenthood and cannabis consumption to be maintained!
