Motherhood and medicinal cannabis

Area of Science:

• Social Sciences
• Medical Sociology
• Cannabis Research

Background:

• Medicinal cannabis (MC) use is increasing among women.
• Research on mothers' MC experiences is limited, especially outside perinatal contexts.
• This study examines mothers' MC use within New Zealand's legal framework.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore mothers' diverse experiences with medicinal cannabis.
• To understand the impact of MC on parenting and health management.
• To investigate challenges related to MC access, stigma, and child-related conversations.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study involving interviews with 15 mothers using MC.
• Participants accessed MC through prescriptions, the illegal market, or both.
• Thematic analysis focused on parenting, child discussions, stigma, and risks.

Main Results:

• Mothers reported MC facilitated positive parenting and management of health issues like anxiety and arthritis.
• High costs of legal MC limited access; unregulated markets posed risks like child custody concerns.
• Stigma was addressed through empowerment narratives, proactive child discussions, and self-medication.

Conclusions:

• Mothers felt MC improved their presence as parents and stress tolerance.
• Discussing MC with children and anticipating these conversations emerged as a novel finding.
• Mothers aimed to destigmatize MC by comparing it to other medications, though some cautioned against early disclosure.