Mum who smokes weed every day has noticed five surprising changes to body

Key Takeaways:

• Cannabis Enhances Parenting: Danielle believes cannabis helps her be more present and patient with her children.
• Improved Sleep Quality: She attributes better and longer sleep to her cannabis use.
• Preference Over Alcohol: Choosing cannabis over alcohol, she experiences fewer negative health effects.
• Supports Physical Activity: Cannabis aids her engagement in activities like yoga and hiking.
• Medical Expert Warnings: Health professionals caution about the potential risks of regular cannabis use.

A Mother’s Journey with Cannabis

Danielle Simone Brand, a 45-year-old mother from California, has been incorporating cannabis into her daily life for the past decade. With two children aged 12 and 14, Danielle asserts that responsible cannabis use has not only enhanced her health but also made her a better parent.

Cannabis and Motherhood

“Generally speaking, it is my go-to for relaxation and transitioning from one part of my day to the next,” Danielle shares. “It helps me be more present with my family.” She believes that cannabis allows her to slow down and engage more deeply with her children, challenging traditional stigmas associated with the substance.

Improved Sleep and Well-being

Danielle emphasizes the impact of cannabis on her sleep quality. “Cannabis can really help people, and me, to slow down at bedtime, prepare for sleep, and stay asleep longer,” she explains. She notes that balance and dosage are crucial, acknowledging that experiences may vary among individuals.

Choosing Cannabis Over Alcohol

Highlighting her preference for cannabis over alcohol, Danielle contrasts the effects of the two substances. “Cannabis has a much lower body load generally,” she says. “It’s pretty gentle on the body if you have the right dose for your physiology. Alcohol is pretty hard on the body—with blood sugars spiking, hangovers, headaches, dehydration, and liver damage over time.”

Supporting Physical Activity

Far from the “lazy stoner” stereotype, Danielle finds that cannabis enhances her enjoyment of physical activities such as yoga, hiking, and dancing. “It is a sense enhancer in general,” she notes, “and it really works well to help people take care of their bodies through gentle movement.”

Natural Pain Relief and Mood Enhancement

Danielle also credits cannabis with providing natural pain relief and supporting a positive mood. “It’s not that I or anyone else needs cannabis to be in a good mood,” she clarifies, “but periodic mood enhancements and increased enjoyment of physical activity can really support one’s overall health and well-being.”

Exploring Sexual Health Benefits

In her book, Weed Mom , Danielle discusses insights from other mothers who report enhanced sex lives due to cannabis aiding stress relief and better sleep. “The improved sense of touch and sensuality, as well as mental relaxation, make cannabis wonderful for supporting a healthy sex life,” she states.

Expert Warnings and Responsible Use

Despite Danielle’s positive experiences, medical professionals urge caution. Dr. Marta Di Forti from King’s College London warns of “compelling evidence” that regular cannabis use can heighten the risk of psychotic illnesses such as schizophrenia, especially among younger users. The NHS also advises of associated health risks, including an increased risk of cancer.

Danielle acknowledges these concerns and emphasizes the importance of mindful consumption. “I want to stress that responsible and mindful cannabis use is really important,” she says. “I’m not talking about maximum THC and getting high all the time. I’m talking about use that is geared towards wellness, enhancing one’s life, and feeling better.”

A Personal Choice

Keeping her cannabis securely stored away, Danielle ensures it’s not accessible to her children and doesn’t consume it in their presence. She views her cannabis use as a component of her self-care regimen, hoping to shift perceptions about the substance. “We are talking about responsible use here,” she reiterates, aiming to inspire thoughtful conversations about cannabis and wellness.