Cannabis Tips for Busy Parents

Parenting is a nonstop juggling act — rewarding, but exhausting.

For some parents, cannabis offers a little R&R. Maybe it’s half a gummy before bed, a quick hit after the kids are down, or an infused drink while they’re off at the grandparents’. 

This guide shares tips to help you enjoy cannabis without the stress, while keeping your kids safe and your stash out of reach.

Top Cannabis Tips for Busy Parents

Parenting is nonstop, which makes self-care tricky. Here’s how to use cannabis in ways that give you a break while keeping family life balanced.

Find the Right Time

Some parents report feeling more relaxed or patient after using cannabis, but effects vary from person to person.¹ It can also slow your reaction time and cloud your judgment. That’s a problem when little ones need your full attention. 

The trick is to use it when you can truly let go. This can be after bedtime, while the kids are at the grandparents’, or even during sleepaway camp. If something unexpected comes up, you want to know there’s another adult ready to step in.

Take It Easy

It’s tempting to want to completely zone out, but too much cannabis can leave you feeling off and make it harder to stay sharp as a parent. That’s why some turn to microdosing — just enough to take the edge off without throwing you off your game. 

For some, that might be a small bite of an edible. For others, it’s a single puff. Everyone’s tolerance is different, so start small and be aware of how your body responds. The right balance gives you room to breathe while keeping you present for your kids.

And it’s not just common sense. One recent analysis found that parents in states with medical cannabis access reported spending more time with their kids — though the study couldn’t confirm whether cannabis itself was the cause.²

Choose the Right Product

These days, there are more ways to use cannabis than ever. 

Edibles are discreet and last for hours, with no smoke in the house. Tinctures can be taken under the tongue for faster-acting effects or mixed into food or drinks for a longer-lasting effect. Smoking or vaping hits faster and wears off quicker, but is often avoided by those who want to be discreet and avoid the stronger smell.

The best method depends on your situation. If you’ve got a backyard and want a quick toke, go for it. If you’d rather have something that carries you through the day, edibles may be a better fit.

Know Your Compounds

THC gets most of the attention, but it isn’t the only cannabinoid out there. Compounds like CBN or hemp-derived delta-8 can also have intoxicating effects. Research on these minor cannabinoids is still limited, and their effects can vary depending on dose, product, and by individual.

Others, like CBD, are non-intoxicating and often used by people who want a calmer or more balanced experience without the strong THC high. 

Terpenes, the aromatic compounds that give cannabis its smell and flavor, can also shape the experience, with some linked to relaxation, focus, and energy.

Some parents even prefer blends with higher CBD levels, or stick with CBD-only products, when they’re looking for something less intense.

Be Aware of Risks

Cannabis isn’t all fun and games. It comes with some precautions. If you’re breastfeeding, studies show THC may pass into breast milk, so most experts recommend avoiding cannabis during this time.

Cannabis also affects coordination and reaction time. That means no driving kids to school, no errands, and no operating machinery if you’ve recently consumed. Save those tasks for when you’re fully sober, and use cannabis only when you’re off parent duty.

There’s also the legal side to consider. In some states, cannabis use, even with a medical card, can affect custody, while others have laws that protect parental rights. Knowing your state’s rules helps you avoid surprises.

Plan Ahead for Emergencies

Even the most careful parent knows kids have a way of getting into things. If your child ever gets into cannabis, call Poison Control right away, or 911 if things seem serious, even if they look fine at first. With edibles, the effects can sneak up later, so it’s always better to be safe rather than sorry.

Safely Storing Cannabis with Kids in the House

One of the hardest parts of being a parent who uses cannabis is keeping it out of reach. Since edibles can look just like snacks, they’re especially tempting. Here are a few tips to follow to keep your family safe:

• Use child-resistant packaging. When possible, keep products in their original, child-resistant containers that clearly indicate they contain cannabis. If that’s not an option, move them into a child-resistant container that’s a little more discreet.
• Keep out of reach. Store all products somewhere kids can’t reach or access, such as on a high shelf or in a locked cabinet. A cool, dry, dark spot also keeps your stash fresh.
• Keep it locked. Not every setup allows for it, but a lock adds an extra layer of peace of mind. A small safe, lockable drawer, or even a humidor for cannabis can keep products secure and out of reach.
• Consider the smell. Cannabis odor travels fast, and kids notice more than you think. A smell-proof stash bag or weed jar keeps things discreet and saves you from unwanted questions.

Talking to Your Kids About Cannabis

There may come a day when you’re ready to talk with your kids about cannabis. Especially as access expands, and if it’s close to home, such as when you or another parent uses it. It’s best to have an honest and mature conversation with them to build trust and answer questions in a way that best suits your parenting style. 

And of course, you as the parent can decide what age is appropriate to have said conversation, whether that’s somewhere in their childhood or waiting until they’re an adult themselves.

Decide what’s most important for them to understand and start with that. Topics like science, cultivation, and safety are typically great starting points. 

Safety is a gentle lead-in in and since edibles often look like candy or cookies, it’s worth explaining why they’re off-limits. You could explain that the ‘cannabis’ symbol on products means that it’s a product for grown-ups only.  

How you frame it depends on their age. With younger kids, keep it simple. As they get older, you can share more. You’ll want them to understand the risks, but not demonize the plant that can help some people, including maybe even yourself, manage stress or ease pain. 

Kids are often curious earlier than you expect and may be exposed to cannabis outside of the home, so it may be best to bring it up first when you feel they’re best ready for the conversation. This way, you can be prepared, set the tone, and avoid the fluster of being caught off guard. 

It helps to remind them that cannabis is for adults, just like alcohol or caffeine. Keeping the conversation open and circling back as they grow can help to build a foundation of transparency, safety, and understanding.

References

1. Freisthler, B., Thurston, H., & Price Wolf, J. (2024). Examining the Context of Cannabis Use and Parenting: An Exploratory Ecological Momentary Assessment Study. Parenting, 1–21. https://doi.org/10.1080/15295192.2024.2394656 ↩︎
2. Bansak, C., & Kim, J. H. (2024). Medical marijuana legalization and parenting behaviors: An analysis of the time use of parents. Journal of Applied Econometrics. 39(7), 1245–1259. https://doi.org/10.1002/jae.3084 ↩︎

The information in this article and any included images or charts are for educational purposes only. This information is neither a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional legal advice or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about laws, regulations, or your health, you should always consult with an attorney, physician or other licensed professional.