How to Advocate for Yourself as a Cannabis-Using Parent

Let’s be real—being a parent already comes with enough judgment, pressure, and unsolicited advice. Add cannabis into the mix, and suddenly, the whispers get louder. The side-eyes. The loaded questions. The fear that if you say the wrong thing to the wrong person, you might lose your job… or worse, your kids.

I work with parents who carry that fear every day. And still, they choose to care for themselves in a way that helps them stay grounded, present, and regulated—for themselves and for their families. That takes courage. But it also means learning how to speak up, set boundaries, and protect yourself when needed.

Because yes, you can be a loving, responsible, cannabis-using parent. And you deserve support—not shame.

So what does advocacy actually look like?

Know your rights and the laws in your state

This is the first layer of protection. In Colorado, cannabis is legal for adult use—but that doesn’t always stop stigma or legal scrutiny. Especially when kids are involved. Knowing your rights as a parent can help you navigate tricky situations with more confidence.

Understand how child welfare systems view cannabis. Know what’s legal to grow, store, and use in your home. Learn how to talk about use in a harm-reduction way if you're ever questioned. (And yes, there are ways to do that without disclosing more than you need to.)

Decide who really needs to knowYou don’t owe your story to everyone. It’s okay to keep your cannabis use private. It’s also okay to talk about it openly—but that’s your call. I encourage the families I work with to think about who feels safe, what kind of support they’re looking for, and what kind of energy they have to give.

You might share with a close friend, a therapist, or your doula—but hold boundaries with your pediatrician or coworkers. That’s advocacy, too.

Use clear, neutral language when talking to providers

If you do need to talk about cannabis with a healthcare provider, try using language that centers your intention and health. You can say things like:

• “I use a low-dose THC tincture to manage postpartum anxiety. I’d like to talk about any potential interactions.”

• “I’m exploring CBD for pain relief and sleep support after my cesarean birth.”

• “Cannabis has been part of my wellness routine for years. I’d love to make sure I’m using it safely while nursing.”

The goal isn’t to justify your choices. It’s to create a conversation where you’re seen as the expert on your own body—and still open to guidance when it’s given respectfully.

Create a safe storage plan

Advocating for yourself also means protecting your family. Keep your cannabis locked up, out of reach, and clearly labeled—just like you would with any adult-use product. It’s not about shame. It’s about modeling responsible use and keeping your household safe.

(And yes, a locked stash box with a simple key or code is usually enough. You don’t need a vault.)

Find your people

This might be the most important part. When you surround yourself with folks who understand cannabis as medicine, ritual, or regulation—not as a punchline or a parenting failure—you start to feel less alone.

That’s why I talk about this. That’s why I offer cannabis-informed support. Because nobody should have to choose between the care they need and the truth of who they are.

Being a cannabis-using parent doesn’t make you less. It doesn’t make you lazy, careless, or irresponsible. It makes you human.

And humans need support. They need tools. They need space to be complex.

If you’re walking this path and wondering how to talk about it, protect your family, and still stand in your truth—I’m here. No judgment. No shame. Just care, clarity, and the belief that you already know what’s best for your body and your baby.

Let’s walk this together.