A Guide to Stoned Parenting

As the legalization and normalization of cannabis continues to spread across the globe, it’s becoming increasingly common for parents to use marijuana. This trend shows no signs of slowing down – in fact, it’s likely that the number of parents who smoke cannabis will only grow in the coming years. While this may be an uncomfortable reality for some, it’s a fact that we as a society need to face head-on.

Interestingly, being a “stoned parent” isn’t necessarily a bad thing. For those dealing with the often overwhelming stresses of parenting young children, a little cannabis buzz could actually be helpful in some ways.

It may allow you to keep your cool during a toddler’s 20th tantrum of the day, or help you smile through yet another mind-numbing repetition of “Baby Shark.” Of course, moderation and responsibility are key – no one is advocating getting completely baked while on full-time daddy or mommy duty.

However, even as cannabis use becomes more accepted and mainstream, it’s crucial for pot-smoking parents to be mindful of the unique challenges and considerations that come with this lifestyle choice. Unfortunately, social stigma around parents using cannabis still very much exists.

Additionally, at each stage of a child’s development, parents need to navigate age-appropriate ways of discussing and modeling responsible substance use, whether that substance is marijuana, alcohol, or something else.

The goal of this article is to explore some of the key things that parents who use cannabis should keep in mind as they strive to raise healthy, well-adjusted kids in a world where weed is increasingly widespread.

We’ll look at everything from keeping your stash safely out of little hands to talking to your teens about responsible cannabis consumption. While it may sometimes feel like a balancing act, it’s absolutely possible to be a great parent and responsibly enjoy cannabis too. Let’s dive in and talk about how.

As a parent who uses cannabis, one of the most important things to understand is that your children are constantly observing and learning from your behavior. Kids are like little sponges, soaking up everything they see and hear, and then using that information to build their own models of how to act and react in the world. This process, known as modeling, is one of the primary ways that children learn and develop their core habits and behavior patterns.

What does this mean for you as a cannabis-using parent? Simply put, you need to be very mindful of how you consume and talk about marijuana in front of your kids. If you frequently use cannabis to cope with stress or anger, for example, your child may internalize the idea that this is an appropriate way to deal with difficult emotions. Similarly, if you’re always lounging around stoned and unmotivated, your kid may come to see that as normal adult behavior.

Now, this isn’t to say that you can never consume cannabis in front of your children. In fact, as weed becomes more socially accepted, it’s important for kids to understand that it’s something some adults do – similar to drinking alcohol. The key is to differentiate between “adult use” and “child use.” Starting around age 5, and certainly by age 8 and up, you should begin explaining to your child that some things, like cannabis and alcohol, are only for grown-ups.

Of course, an essential part of responsible cannabis use as a parent is keeping your stash well out of reach of curious little hands. Kids have an uncanny ability to find things they shouldn’t, so it’s critical to lock up your weed, edibles, and paraphernalia. Consider investing in a lockbox or designating a specific “off-limits” area that your children know is strictly forbidden. And even within your secure storage spot, it never hurts to have an extra “decoy” box in case crafty kids make it that far.

When you do consume cannabis in front of your children, try to do so as naturally and responsibly as possible. Taking a discreet hit from a vape pen or pipe, then going about your day as normal, helps reinforce the idea that this is simply part of some grownup’s routine – not something illicit. That said, discretion and moderation are important. Don’t lounge around with a huge bong all day, or consume to the point that you’re noticeably impaired while primary parenting. If you need to take a smoke break, step away, consume quickly, then rejoin your kids with a clear head.

Ultimately, by modeling responsible cannabis use, securely storing your stash, and openly discussing the differences between “grown-up substances” and “kid-friendly” ones, you can help your children develop a healthy, well-adjusted understanding of marijuana’s role in some adult’s lives. It’s all about striving for that balance between normalization and necessary age-appropriate boundaries.

At some point you’ll need to have a conversation (or more likely, a series of conversations) with your child about marijuana. Navigating these talks can feel tricky, but the key is to go in with a clear idea of the core message you want to convey in order to foster a healthy understanding of cannabis in your child’s mind.

When your kids are young, usually simple, straightforward answers are best. If they ask about your cannabis use, you don’t need to get into the nitty-gritty details. Just offer a brief, age-appropriate explanation that satisfies their curiosity while reinforcing the idea that marijuana is something only for adults. You might say something like, “This is a special plant that helps mommy relax sometimes, but it’s just for grown-ups, not for kids.”

However, as your children get older and enter their teenage years, it’s important to revisit and expand upon the cannabis conversation. By this age, it’s highly likely that your kid will encounter marijuana in some social setting with their peers. As a parent, you want them to be prepared for this.

While every family will handle this differently based on their own values and circumstances, I personally believe in being upfront and realistic. Assuming you used cannabis yourself as a teen, it would feel hypocritical to completely forbid your own child from experimenting.

That said, you can explain to them that trying any psychoactive substance, including weed, fundamentally changes their brain chemistry and the way they experience the world. Advise them that waiting until they are older, and their brain is more fully developed, is the wisest and safest choice.

You might also let them know that if and when they do decide to experiment with cannabis, you would much rather they do so with you in a safe, controlled environment than with a random peer. Emphasize that you will not judge or punish them for being curious, and that your door is always open for honest conversations.

In many cases, when parents are transparent about their own cannabis use and take an open, educational approach rather than a strictly prohibitive one, it creates a foundation of trust and safety. Your teen knows they can come to you with questions or for help, and that you’re a reliable, knowledgeable resource. Plus, let’s be real – the weed you have stashed away is probably way better than whatever their friends are smoking behind the bleachers.

Ultimately, the goal of these ongoing conversations is to equip your child with the information and critical thinking skills they need to make responsible decisions about cannabis, both now and in the future. By fostering open, honest dialogue and leading by example, you’re setting them up for success no matter what they choose.

Let’s face it – being a parent is tough. It’s a 24/7 job with no pay, no sick days, and a whole lot of bodily fluids. Add in the lingering social stigma around cannabis use, and it can feel like an uphill battle to be a stoner parent in a world that still largely frowns upon marijuana.

But here’s the thing: if you’re a responsible, loving, involved parent who just happens to enjoy a little green now and then, you’re doing a fantastic job. Period.

Sure, you might have to be a bit more discreet about your cannabis use than you’d like, especially around judgy PTA moms or nosy neighbors. And yes, you’ll need to be extra mindful about storing your stash safely and talking to your kids about marijuana in an age-appropriate way. But at the end of the day, if you’re showing up for your children with presence, patience, and unconditional love (even if you’re a little baked while doing it), you’re acing this whole parenting thing.

So to all the stoner mamas and papa bears out there: keep on toking and keep on rocking this child-rearing gig. Ignore the haters, trust your intuition, and know that you’re providing your kids with everything they really need.

Because when you get down to the sticky bottom line, the most important thing is that your little ones feel safe, supported, and totally adored. And if a responsible cannabis habit helps you be the best version of yourself as you navigate the wild ride of parenthood, then blaze on, my friend. You’ve got this.

CANNABIS USE AND PARENTING, READ ON…

PARENTS, SHOULD YOU SMOKE WEED IN FRONT OF YOUR KIDS?

NIMBY stands for “Not in My Back Yard”, and when discussing cannabis, Republicans and Democrats could not be more diametrically opposed on living in certain area with or without legal weed.

The recently released report from Redfin, a technology-enabled real estate brokerage, is circulating in the marijuana industry. It revealed a noticeable difference between individuals living in U.S. households that favoured Joe Biden versus Donald Trump. The major difference pertains to individual preference when it comes to residing in areas where recreational cannabis is legal.

According to the survey done by Qualtrics in February 2024, 46.8% of individuals who will cast their votes for Joe Biden in the forthcoming presidential election said they want to reside in places where recreational marijuana is allowed. Another recent Harris Poll showed nearly 60% of American voters now believe you should be able to grow your own cannabis at home. On the other hand, 12.4% of those who wanted to vote for Donald Trump chose the same option.

The survey, which involved up to 2,995 U.S. homeowners and renters, shared a complex standpoint. 36% of those surveyed responded that they are generally interested in residing in a place where cannabis is legalized for recreational purposes. On the other hand, about one-third of the respondents, 32.3%, rejected such states, and 41.3% showed no preference.

The findings signal the exciting new phase of marijuana legalization in the United States. Right now, it is legal to consume marijuana recreationally in 24 states and D.C., while a few other states are contemplating legalizing it as well. This evolving legal environment impacts Americans’ attitudes towards housing through their political approach.

The inquiry reveals that politics, public attitudes, and real estate are interlinked in many ways. As the debates on cannabis legalization are underway at both state and federal levels, these different dynamics leave many uncertain about how they will impact real estate trends and market dynamics.

College Graduates, High Earners, and Remote Workers Prefer living in Legalized Recreational Cannabis States.

Also, the research results illustrate a connection between the educational level and the recreational marijuana use acceptance. Participants who had college degrees and who held greater earning power overwhelmingly favored passing these bills.

Those with a college degree or higher (35.6% of their category) showed the highest preferences about residing where marijuana is allowed for recreational use. Meanwhile, only 17.7% and 20.3% of those holding and not holding their high school diploma showed similar desires.

Similarly, the survey also discovers a relationship between remote work and residents’ choice to live in areas where marijuana is legal. According to that sentiment, those who prefer to work remotely were significantly more likely (36%) to express such a concern than those who did not (20.2%).

Additionally, the report mentions that about 26% of renters, as well as homeowners, simply showed a desire to live where recreational marijuana is legally authorized.

It can be inferred from this research that the complex combinations of different factors, including income, education, and type of work, affect the attitudes towards recreational cannabis legalization. While debate and legislation regarding marijuana will see more twists and turns, these demographic subtleties are highly insightful for lawmakers and real estate authorities.

Gen Z and LGBTQ+ individuals Prefer To Reside in Areas Where Recreational Marijuana is Legal.

Using the information from Redfin, we can understand how the perspectives of different generations and the LGBTQ+ residents of the states have changed upon the legalization of recreational marijuana. Interestingly, the Gen Zers were the most eager group of all the other age groups, with 32.1% wishing to relocate there. Next in line are the millennials at 31.8%, Gen Xers and Baby Boomers at 26.1% and 21.4% of the population, respectively.

Interestingly, the study suggests a notable divergence between the tastes of the participants with the self-established LGBTQ+ orientation and those who did not. The data from our survey showed that the majority of LGBTQ+ people expressed their yearning for states where recreational weed is allowed and legal (54.6%).

Among the respondents, Gen Zers comprised the most significant demographic. On the contrary, only 23.2% of all non-LGBTQ individuals concurred with this statement compared to more than half (52.5%) of the non-heterosexual people.

Such results illustrate how complex it is to perceive public opinion regarding cannabis legalization. Gen Z’s attitude towards living in regions where marijuana is legal illustrates evolving norms and generational change is taking place. Furthermore, the markedly overwhelming choice by LGBTQ+ people for marijuana reform indicates a nexus between a progressive social outlook and the support of the cannabis amendment.

Conclusion

60% OF AMERICAN VOTERS THINK YOU SHOULD BE ABLE TO GROW WEED!

Blood donation involves contributing a portion of your blood for medical purposes. It’s essential to distinguish between blood and plasma donations, as they are separate processes. It’s called blood donation when you voluntarily give a sample of your whole blood. Typically, you provide around a pint or half a litre of whole blood during this process. The components of a standard blood donation include platelets, plasma, white blood cells, and red blood cells.

Each year, approximately 6.8 million Americans donate blood for transfusions, according to the Red Cross.

There are numerous reasons why someone might require a blood transfusion, such as severe accidents, injuries, surgeries, or medical conditions like anemia and hemophilia. Blood used for such critical procedures is obtained through blood donation, making blood donation a crucial way to assist those in need of transfusions.

Before donating blood, individuals are required to answer questions regarding their health, lifestyle, and travel history to determine their eligibility.

While smoking cannabis does not automatically disqualify someone from donating blood, if visible signs of cannabis use are present during the appointment, the clinic may decline the donation. The American Red Cross emphasizes that while they do not promote the use of controlled substances, the use of marijuana, cigarettes, or alcohol does not necessarily disqualify a person from donating blood. However, individuals cannot donate blood while under the influence of legal or illegal drugs or alcohol. Legal or illegal use of marijuana does not typically result in deferral unless the individual is under its influence at the time of donation.

Understanding Blood Donation: Process and Components

Blood donation is a vital medical procedure that involves voluntarily contributing a portion of one’s blood to help those in need. It’s crucial to grasp the process and components involved in this noble act.

Process: When people opt to give blood, they go through a variety of procedures to guarantee a safe and successful donation. This normally comprises registration, a brief health assessment, and the actual donation process, which involves taking blood from an arm vein. Following donation, donors are often given refreshments to restore fluids and nutrients lost during the process.

Components: Blood is made up of various components, each having its specific purpose. A normal blood donation comprises platelets, plasma, white blood cells, and red blood cells. These components are essential for a variety of biological activities, including oxygen delivery, immunological response, and coagulation. Donating blood helps to replace these important components for people in need of transfusions.

The Importance of Blood Transfusions

Blood transfusions are critical medical procedures that can save numerous lives. Whether due to catastrophic accidents, traumatic injuries, prolonged operations, or underlying medical disorders such as anemia and hemophilia, the infusion of donated blood is necessary. Patients obtain vital blood components through these transfusions, which aid in their rehabilitation and strengthen the body’s ability to repair and rehabilitate.

People in a variety of medical situations require blood transfusions immediately to stabilize and restore their health. The need for donated blood endures despite improvements in medical treatment, mostly due to population increase, medical crises, and continuing healthcare needs. Millions of people worldwide depend on blood transfusions every year to prolong their lives and improve their quality of life.

Maintaining a sufficient blood supply is still difficult. Regular blood donations from qualified people are therefore essential to ensuring that hospitals and other healthcare institutions have an adequate supply of blood on hand to quickly attend to the requirements of patients in severe conditions.

Eligibility Criteria for Blood Donation

To ensure the safety and efficacy of given blood, eligibility standards must be strictly adhered to. Before giving blood, individuals are thoroughly screened to verify their fitness as donors. This screening examines many elements of their health, lifestyle, and travel history to reduce possible hazards and protect both donors and receivers.

One important part of eligibility screening is determining the donor’s general health. Donors must fulfil specific health requirements to guarantee that their blood is suitable for transfusion. This involves being in good overall health, free of infectious infections, and having enough hemoglobin to prevent anemia. Furthermore, donors must be over a particular weight barrier to reduce the possibility of unwanted consequences during donation.

Living conditions are an important factor in determining one’s eligibility for blood donation. Donors are asked about their history of intravenous drug use as well as their current practices, which include consuming alcohol and smoking. Although these factors may not instantly disqualify someone from donating blood, they are considered in the context of overall health and safety measures.

In addition, people must reveal their past travel history, especially if it includes trips to areas where epidemics or endemic illnesses are present. Certain locations may provide a higher risk of infectious agent exposure, therefore temporarily postponing blood donation may be necessary to stop the spread of illness. Blood donation facilities can maintain strict guidelines and guarantee the integrity of the supply of given blood by carefully weighing these variables.

Marijuana Use and Blood Donation

The examination of marijuana usage in the context of blood donation is critical for preserving the quality of given blood while adhering to donor eligibility guidelines. Although consuming cannabis does not automatically preclude someone from giving blood, following standards assures the safety and efficacy of the process.

The American Red Cross and other blood donation organizations emphasize that while they do not support the use of restricted substances, including marijuana, this does not always exclude people from giving blood. Nonetheless, donors must not be under the influence of any legal or illicit drugs throughout the donation procedure. Thus, if apparent evidence of cannabis use are discovered during the donation appointment, delaying the donation becomes necessary to ensure the well-being of both the donor and the receiver.

Transparency about marijuana usage during the eligibility screening process is critical. Donors are typically asked about their most recent drug usage, including marijuana, to determine their fitness for donation. While marijuana usage does not automatically preclude people from donating blood, open disclosure about substance use allows blood donation facilities to make well-informed choices regarding donor eligibility, guaranteeing the safety and dependability of the blood supply.

Bottom Line

Although marijuana usage does not inherently preclude someone from giving blood, it is crucial to follow eligibility requirements and be open about substance use when being screened. Donating blood is still a life-saving medical operation that saves many lives every year. Comprehending the procedure, significance, and qualifying standards for blood donation, in addition to taking into account variables such as marijuana consumption, guarantees the security and effectiveness of the blood supply that is donated, thus helping individuals in need of transfusions.

WEED USERS DONATING BLOOD, READ ON…

CAN YOU DO A BLOOD PLASMA DONATION IF YOU SMOKE WEED?