Cannabis Mothers Share Stories of Parenting, Business and Plant Use

Cannabis entrepreneur Maya Elisabeth collected firsthand accounts from mothers in the industry for a Mother's Day feature that sheds light on how parent consumers navigate stigma while building businesses and raising families.

The compilation, published by High Times, features mothers discussing their relationship with cannabis in their own words—offering perspectives that range from medicinal use to recreational consumption alongside their roles as caregivers and business owners.

The feature arrives as parent consumers represent one of the fastest-growing demographics in legal cannabis markets, though many still face judgment despite growing acceptance.

Breaking Down Stigma

For decades, the intersection of motherhood and cannabis use remained largely invisible. Women who consumed cannabis while raising children faced harsh social stigma and, in some cases, legal consequences including custody battles.

But that's changing. A 2022 survey by cannabis research firm Brightfield Group found that mothers represent roughly 35% of cannabis consumers in legal markets. They're using products for stress relief, pain management, and sleep—often choosing cannabis over prescription medications or alcohol.

Elisabeth, founder of cannabis wellness brand Om Edibles, has been vocal about normalizing cannabis use among parents. Her Mother's Day initiative gave mothers a platform to share their stories without filter or editorial intervention.

The Business Side

Many of the featured mothers aren't just consumers—they're building cannabis companies. Women-owned businesses account for an estimated 36% of cannabis companies, according to MJBizDaily's most recent industry data. That's notably higher than the 20% average across all U.S. industries.

These entrepreneur mothers face unique challenges. They're navigating federal banking restrictions, state licensing processes, and raising capital—all while managing childcare in an industry that doesn't always accommodate working parents.

The lack of traditional business infrastructure hits parent entrepreneurs particularly hard. Without access to standard business loans or credit lines due to federal prohibition, many bootstrap their operations or rely on private investors who may not understand the demands of parenting alongside company-building.

What's Next

The growing visibility of parent consumers could influence how cannabis brands market products and how policymakers approach regulation. Several states are examining their child welfare policies around cannabis use, with some advocates pushing for protections similar to those for alcohol consumption.

Elisabeth's feature contributes to a broader cultural shift. As more parents speak openly about their cannabis use, the industry may see increased demand for products tailored to parent consumers—from lower-dose edibles to child-resistant packaging that doesn't sacrifice convenience.

The Mother's Day collection also highlights a gap in industry coverage. While trade publications extensively cover business metrics and policy developments, fewer outlets amplify consumer voices—particularly those of parents who've historically been excluded from mainstream cannabis narratives.

For now, the mothers featured in Elisabeth's compilation are doing what the industry has long needed: telling their own stories, in their own words, without apology.

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This article is based on original reporting by hightimes.com.