wondering how many other moms feel this way.

Erin - posted on 06/24/2011

I think pot is a waste of time, but I dont really think its going to ruin somebodys life if they know the facts. It should be regarded as a drug, and one that if abused, can have very negative effects. That being said, its also fairly tame compared to many other things out there. My mom smokes pot for the tendonitis she has in her shoulder, non prescribed. She doesnt rely on it, and it helps her more than the chemical opiates that her doctor prescribes for her. She stopped taking the opiates right away actually, in favor of just having a toke now and again. Personally it puts me to sleep and makes me nervous, so I avoid it. When my kids are old enough to be asking questions about it, I will tell them ive tried it, and it really wasnt as "super fantastic awesome" as the world makes it out to be. Tell em if they want to give it a try, to please do it safely, maybe at home. There are allergies, rare but existant. Its on the same thought process level as alcohol. Its not too dangerous, until an idiot gets introduced into the equation. If your kids friends with that one kid who doesnt know when to stop, or always chases the last high, things wont end well, so teach them about boundaries, and limits, without threat.

Cyndel - posted on 03/07/2011

I'm against it for the fact it is illegal. But like alcohol, in moderation, with self control, and on occasion I don't see a problem with it if it were legal.
I don't use alcohol because of severe family history on my side and my husbands side with drunkenness and alcoholism so we both decided to abstain, and not raise our kids against alcohol but to raise them with self control so if they decide to partake when they are of legal age they can do so with moderation. If pot was legal, I would more then likely feel the same. But as it is not I do not feel it is ever ok to use.

Amanda - posted on 03/07/2011

i feel the same as u...any parent who chooses to do drugs at any point is puttin their child at risk...i do drink on occasion with friends in my own home while my children are there but never to get drunk and if i am drinking my husband is not because we both know that even one drink can alter ur ability to care for a child and we have two..if he drinks then i do not and we also make sure they are both in bed before we have a drink...i use to smoke cigarettes also (a bad habit i picked up as a teenager) but quit both times i was pregnant and did not smoke around my children i am now quit for good and not picking it up again...drugs are NEVER a option...that's my opinion...i also agree that besides that people can not function 100 % or think rationally 100 % it is illegal and if caught could get the children taken and end up in jail....in my opinon i do not agree that any parent should do drugs..i guess it would have a lot to do with the way i was raised...my parents are against drugs and I have an uncle in my family who is a drug abuser (pot) and he was never a nice guy...my mother smoked cigarettes through out my entire child hood but thats about it...they both drink but only on occasions about once a year and i have never ever seen either of my parents drunk...they are both very respondible for that...anyway this is my opinon...

Katie - posted on 03/07/2011

I don't have time to read every post here, so sorry if I am repeating others...
First off, pot as a gateway drug seems pretty ridiculous to me. I don't know many people who tried smoking weed before drinking. What about smoking cigarettes, what about caffine, what about sugar! Oh no everything is a gateway drug...Cartoons...push pops...reading! Looking at the number of people who go on to use harder drugs after trying pot, and then the alternatively large group who didn't it makes about as much sense to blame pot as it does to blame processed food.
I have a bigger problem with the mothers I see smoking a cigarette, with a jumbo energy drink in their hand, talking on their cell phone while they push their kid in a stroller. Just my opinion though.
I am a recreational pot smoker, meaning that I wouldn't smoke around my son, just like I wouldn't smoke cigarettes, or drink around him. If I am out (not that that ever happens anymore, lol) I might partake. That being said, if you NEEEEED to have a drink, or a toke, or a cigarette, or a 5 hour energy shot or what have you at any point during the day to keep going it MIGHT be a problem.
I grew up the child of an alcoholic (mother) and a recreational drug user (father) and I can tell you that in my experience the booze had a much much more detrimental effect on my upbringing, but again that is just my experience.
Saying that someone who smokes pot shouldn't have kids because they are not willing to make the proper sacrifices (as one post stated) seems pretty harsh. There are plenty of things that we can do to mess our kids up, and just because you aren't smoking pot doesn't mean that you are innocent of them all. IMO

Kayleigh - posted on 10/24/2010

We are seriously considering moving to Cali b/c the laws are SOOOO much better there... even for medical. Washington makes it really hard to maintain your prescription and we have NO real dispensaries... most patients just grow their own. I really want to open a dispensary ^_^ personal dream I guess.

Melissa - posted on 10/24/2010

I personally think alcohol is far worse than weed. I have been an avid weed smoker for over 15 years. I do not drink alcohol at all not even occasionally anymore because I get way to intoxicated to care for my kids. If I smoke a bowl outside away from the kids and someone else is around with you it doesnt affect me like alcohol whatsoever. I feel normal when I smoke. I mean I can go to the store and buy some weed just like I can go to a store and buy a beer these days. It is not illegal in Cali but it is illegal federally and you have to know your rights. I have been pulled over many times and have had weed in my purse or the car not smoking but had it in there but I had my recommendation on me and it was in the proper containers in the back away from the kids reach and it was given back to me everytime. People are so used to the stigma of it being illegal but its nothing worse than alcohol. DCFS cannot even do anything about you smoking pot in California if you have a recommendation as long as you have a sober person present to care for the kids and its out of their reach and not done in their presence. My ex-husband (who also smokes by the way) tried to pull the DCFS card on me when we were divorcing for smoking and they couldnt do a thing about it. So guess what my ex did? He went out and got his recommendation so I cant do it to him. First off why would I? Second, grow the f*** up dude. Anyhow everyone is entitled to their own opinions and marijuana does affect people differently but me personally I can handle it and it sure smells a lot better than puffing stogies all day!

Angela - posted on 10/24/2010

How can you project it on your child if they don't know you're doing it. I don't advertise it to my kids...I don't tell them it's okay and I don't plan to tell them it's okay. But I am an adult and I make my own decisions, if you decide it's not for you that's fine...but don't judge other people that do. I'm not hurting anyone, I'm not hurting you. Now if I decided to drink...then go out and drive then I would be risking other peoples lives, not only that but there are a lot of other risks that come with drinking a lot more than with smoking. But just about everyone drinks...but I'm a horrible person for doing what I do when it's nowhere near as dangerous as drinking or prescription drugs. Don't judge other people, it's not right...I don't know how many times I can say this but do some research you will see that what I do is nowhere near as bad as the legal activities others do (meaning drinking and RX drugs).

Caitlyn - posted on 10/23/2010

I personally don't think that parents should be modeling to their children that illegal drugs are an okay thing to do. Whether or not parents are smoking pot around or in front of their kids they are still engaging in an illegal activity, and I wouldn't want to project that onto my child.

Angela - posted on 10/23/2010

I agree with you...but I don't see marijuana as a hard drug, or one at all for that matter. I'm against anything else and I don't want my kids around any other drugs when they get older either. I'm going to sit them down and have a serious, truthful talk with them once they are that age. But you act more like a fool when you drink than when you smoke weed, you are more likely to sit back...watch a funny movie and eat a lot of food. When you drink you go out...drive (possibly kill someone) get angry easily (possibly kill someone) you just aren't in your right mind and it's dangerous, as well as other hard drugs. As I said...research it you will be surprised as to what you find out about it and how helpful it really is.

Roxanne - posted on 10/23/2010

I am 100% against drugs completely! That it the whole reason why I dumped my x---was hiding way too many drugs! What a looser!!



My husband and I are soo against drugs and laugh at ppl on them. We find they are ruining their lives. I mean, ppl can do what they want...but we find that doing drugs is pointless.



I mean ppl can do what they want, but this is just our opinion and we think its crazy.

Rebecca - posted on 10/22/2010

Okay, so I am a former smoker (haven't smoked for about 8 years) and marijuana never altered my judgement. It made me hungry and sleepy, but never MADE me do anything that I was not already willing and ready to do. The only time that I have ever felt seriously impared was when I smoked weed and drank tequila together. Then I just felt sick and dizzy. I have been on RX drugs for 10 years due to chronic migrain headaches, and I can tell you first hand that RX drugs have impared me and my judgement on more than one occasion. As a mom, I know that I will be asked one day if I have ever "done drugs." I intend to be honest with my son and tell him yes, I have. I will also tell him the reason that I quit, and that I would rather him not do it. ((NOT B/C ITS A HORRIBLE THING, BUT B/C YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT OTHER PEOPLE ARE PUTTING IN IT TO AMPLIFY THEIR HIGH)) ---- On a side note, for people who get really mad about anyone who is not "hating on pot smokers" try watching Kat Williams. It will at least make you laugh if nothing else.

Jaime - posted on 10/22/2010

My mother is 44 and smokes pot. She gets food stamps because she has to take care of my little brother and our grandparents, and gets child support every six months from my brother's piece of shit sperm donor, who does meth and heroine and all manner of nasty stuff. My mother is disabled, has chronic pain, and takes medication that doesn't work, so she smokes. But oh, guess what? She doesn't have CPS busting down the door, never has. She has never had to worry about her kids being taken away because she is a great mom who takes care of her kids and has never let pot interfere with her mothering skills.

I take extreme offense to anyone on here who says marijuana users are bad parents JUST because they smoke pot. You have no right to judge ANYONE, let alone people you DON'T EVEN KNOW.

Pamela - posted on 10/22/2010

wow you are angry .. I didn't actually read any of your posts .. I agree my friend should do more than nag him he doesn't smoke around there three boys ever ( he has his own smoking room) but I dont think it changes the fact.. all I ment was I personally do not feel like I am in total control after a spliff which means if there was an emergency I would feel uneasy about driving one of my boys to the hospital if I had too which is also why I don't drink more than one glass of wine any more .. that is my point. Im not judging you if you go out for the day with friends and want to light up go ahead, and maybe one day when someone offers to look after my boys over night I might have a few to chill with my friends. everyone is allowed there own opinions and I don't feel like my post was judging any one ( except maybe my friends hubby as he smokes constantly to de stress 5 or 6 a day and I think that is way to much if you are looking after 3 boys under 5 while your wife is at work ) .

p.s Shandi your pot is obviously not helping you with stress if you can get so worked up over some posts on the internet written by people that don't even know you .. shrug it off .. each to there own your better than letting them work you up like this...

Angela - posted on 10/22/2010

It is a fact that marijuana is no where near as bad as alcohol. As a matter of fact, it is not mind altering...it relaxes you and relieves stress as well as pain and many other things. Alcohol on the other hand is completely mind and body altering. Any of you who think that alcohol is better than pot are completely wrong, even when done responsibly. Just because your half brother is now on heroine is not because of marijuana it's because of the people he hangs out with and he gives into peer pressure. Pot is in no way a gateway drug...people doing other drugs is their own inability to turn people down and it's their own decision. I've been smoking since I was 18 years old, I have amazing kids who are unbelievably smart. I never smoked while pregnant and I do not smoke around them whatsoever. I don't do it to fix my problems, I do it because it helps me sleep at night, otherwise I'm up for hours tossing and turning going out of my mind thinking about horrible things that could happen to me and my loved ones. I refuse to take RX drugs to help me sleep because they are, in fact, worse than pot. Look at all of the side effects that RX drugs have...the side effects of pot....EATING. You are completely in your right mind and know everything that is going on around you, you do not make poor judgment and you absolutely will not loose a child due to poor decision making when smoking marijuana. Maybe the stories you have heard involve other drugs and/or alcohol mixed with the marijuana. If it altered my mind, like you think it does, I absolutely would not do it. I would not risk my kids being orphaned. I do it responsibly and I do not advertise the fact...up until now. I don't like the fact that marijuana is made out to be this horrible drug, because it is, in fact, not. Yes there are some downsides to it...but there are with any drug and they are a lot less than any RX that a doctor will prescribe you. As a matter of fact the deaths due to pot are significantly (and that's an understatement) lower than RX drugs and alcohol. Everyone needs to do real research on marijuana instead of buying into mainstream media, maybe you will learn something. In addition to all of this, any doctor would rather you smoke weed as opposed to taking RX...it's safer (but the media won't tell you that and they will find the few doctors that think it's bad for you)

Shandi - posted on 10/22/2010

ok and now reading all of you think its ok for a woman to come her and put the women that do this don't deserve their children cause they are not mature enough and trashy...Thats ok to put right no thats not rude or judgmental.......yall stick together fine go ahead and judge me.......

Shandi - posted on 10/22/2010

Ok but I only of mad when a lady who has no idea who I am stated I should not have my child so don't turn this around on me I was being respectful until she said that. Also I do not use to for stress I use it to unwind when she is sleeping like some women have a drink when their kids are not around them so why don't all of you stop point god damn fingers and assuming its makes asses out of all of us. Most of the women that feel weed is wrong have been very rude read back but of course you would take their side so whats the point. I am done with trying to get this through your ignorant minds think what you want My daughter is fine she is doing great I do deserve her and I don't give 2 shits what any of you think none who are judging me know me so go ahead prove me right and show me how "adult" you all claim to be! and I put my kid first hence why I do it when she is a sleep..thats your husband not everyone so again STOP ASSUMING! I put my daughter first and any one who is going to try to say otherwise specially when they have no clue about me can kiss my ass I give my daughter my all I would starve myself just so she could eat if I had to so enough with the judging cause I bet most of you are not perfect no one is!

Pamela - posted on 10/22/2010

I used to smoke pot I don't now as I don't think getting drunk or being wasted when you have resposibilies is the wises move I know one of my friend hubby still smokes pot she begs him to quit every day and he wont and I think its disgusting that he can't put his kids and there safety first

Nicole - posted on 10/21/2010

I so agree!!

Nicole - posted on 10/21/2010

I so agree with you. Alcohol, weed, drugs, etc are not good ways to release stress. I believe that working through your problems is the best way. When using substances to clear your head, you are only making the problem worse. Some people resort to these things because they don't know how to deal with stress. Fighting through issues with a clear head is the best way. Raise your child to know that.

Kayleigh - posted on 10/21/2010

Honestly I have seen the accusing women being more offensive and judgmental.. most of the women who admit to smoking are being very respectful and at least half agree with the accusing mothers, and state that they don't do it around their kids for that reason. So I'm not sure where people are getting the idea that they are being "so angry and defensive".

The reason I'm being defensive is the same reason every medical user in the US is being defensive... b/c judgemental people that have no real concept of the properties of the plant are the ones deciding wether or not we get our medicine. thats the most unfair that any of this could be. but its our reality, and the last thing i want to hear is that i shouldnt have a right to have my child b/c I use marijuana for my medical issues.. or that my parents had no right to have me... its presumptious and entitled for anyone to make a claim like that for ANY reason, let alone something like personal consumption.

Rachel - posted on 10/21/2010

Nicole, I think that the reason they are so angry and defensive is because they know it's not the best choice. If it were a good idea, this wouldn't even be a discussion. ( And no, I am not talking about medical marijuana. In my eyes, that's the exception to the rule. )

Nicole - posted on 10/21/2010

I would just like to point out.... those that are getting mad at the moms who think it is wrong are being just as judgemental and rude..... I am entitled to think it's irresponsible and wrong and selfish just as much as you are entitled to think it's not. I've noticed that most of the people so adamantly claiming it does not affect their judgment are the people who sound like they smoke it often. I say the same thing when I'm drunk.... "Oh, I'm fine, I'm not drunk, I don't feel anything from it" I've also noticed that quite a few of the people who are highly for smoking pot are the ones getting the angriest about the posts.... Just some things I'm noticing as I read....

**pointing out that I'm not referring to everyone that is posting**

Shandi - posted on 10/21/2010

I agree with these women when my daughter is older if she ask I will answer and explain but when she does get older she will be at day care and school or we will do it when she is sleeping. I dont spark up right in my daughters face and I would never do that. I think some women here are trying to make it sound like we do and I don't think any of us do

As for me smoking while she is sleeping and something all of a sudden happens and what if I am to "buzzed" to do anything lets get real weed does not get you that buzzed and if something is going to happen while she is sleep its going to happen no matter what I am doing. So stick that it your pipe and smoke it some women in this post need to stop talking about things they have no clue about!

Kayleigh - posted on 10/20/2010

What will I do when my daughter is old enough to realize i smoke pot? well... for one it will MOST LIKELY be legal by then... *crosses fingers*... 2ndly if its not legal or she asks why, I intend to take the same attitude towards it that my parents did.. That it is an amazing healing herb that we use as medicine (as do millions of people in the world) that is misunderstood by the majority of society, and that our government uses it as a tool for control, and that's why its considered to be "bad". May seem like an advanced concept to be explaining to a child but we got it when we were little (5-8yrs old). we knew even before there were any "medical marijuana laws" that my parents used to to help their physical and psychological problems and that it made them better more attentive parents who weren't all stressed out about working constantly and barely making the bills.

Being honest and open with your children is the best way to handle things always..

also, if you feel ashamed of what you are doing, and feel the need to hide it, then you probably aren't doing it for the right reasons...

giving them the information and letting them make their own decisions on what is, and is not right for them in their teen years is necessary towards them feeling like a secure, in-control adults... like another person said, i would rather they were comfortable coming to me with their problems and questions than going out and getting fucked up without knowing what they are getting them selves into, b/c they are afraid to talk to me...
My parents taking this mentality about drugs all together is probably what kept me from ever getting into the harder stuff when I was an Experimental Teen, and ever becoming an addict of ANY KIND. For a lot of people drugs are an unavoidable stage of growing up and just like anything its better to be well informed and experienced than to just throw your self into something that is potentially dangerous and have NO idea what you are getting into.

Shana - posted on 10/20/2010

Hm. Well I have never cared about other people smoking drugs so long as it doesn't affect myself and my family. Though I must point out that I used to smoke pot. I thought it was cool to do so, and well I certainly grew out of that phase quickly. I would definitely rather that my child never does drugs, but if she ever does get involved with any, I would rather know about it and support the process of quitting. I don't want her to think that I will bite her head off because then she would not come to me about it. I would rather know because what scares me more than her smoking pot is the fact that she could smoke it in an unsafe environment because I was so against it. I mean I will raise her to know that it is bad, but some teenagers only do it to go against the parent wishes. If children are educated properly, and still try it, they need to know that they have family support. (Not support FOR the drug, but the fact that we are there to help). If that makes any sense..?

Rachel - posted on 10/20/2010

Just because it is possible for some people to smoke pot and still be a decent parent doesn't mean that they should. I honestly don't think that there is anything a person can say to defend smoking pot while parenting. What about when your child is a little older and they realize that you smoke pot? What are you going to tell them? "I know it's against the law, but it's okay to do it anyway". That's not the lesson I want to teach my child.

Brandy - posted on 10/20/2010

Although I think alcohol is worse than pot I also believe that anyone smoking it while pregnant or breastfeeding is irresponsible. If you can't control your impulses when it comes to substance use (or abuse) how are you supposed to make the right decisions regarding your children. Also, if you aren't responsible with them now it sets a poor example for your children.

Rebecca - posted on 10/20/2010

i believe the alchy is a lil worse than the pot. dont get me wrong i've done both, ya know ave a few drinks every once in a while.. and i was a big smoker until i found out i was prego. and since i've had her i've done it twice but she was not with me, she was with grandma. i dont want it as much as i used to, even if i did i really dont have time. and i have a four year old too so its not like "oh the baby's sleeping let me run outside real quick for a lil hit" but idk i totally get you though.

Shandi - posted on 10/20/2010

Thank you Amber the father of my child is the same and so am I..weed does not affect your judgment that much and honestly to the people who have never smoked it you should not talk about any "buzz" cause you have no idea on what kind of "buzz" you get after you smoke! so talk about something you know about

Amber - posted on 10/20/2010

PS - my husband is in our sons room the second he makes a peep in the night, before i can even register what is happening. everyone handles the "drug" differently, and if you are incapable of carrying on with your normal life while "high" then yeah, abstaining is the logical argument. but, not everyone has the same effect.

Amber - posted on 10/20/2010

One : Marijuana IS highly addictive & Two : My husband is addicted to it. He is a wonderful father, end of story. What you do as a parent all depends on how you handle what you are doing. My husband smokes a joint & my son has no idea, and he doesn't come in & sit on the couch and do nothing. He does the dishes, he plays with our son, we go to the park, we go for nature hikes, we go canoeing. We are a perfectly normal family and my son is happy and healthy. My husband & I both decided that we would rather him smoke a joint a day than destroy his liver, kidneys & heart with other medication... he grew up in a controversial environment, and admits to having an anger problem and to no being able to handle stress at all. So in my opinion, a joint a day to be happy isn't bad at all. Legalize it ;)

Shandi - posted on 10/20/2010

I think this whole convo should be removed the last comment is sooo fn disrespectful so I don't deserve my child? and no I am not on welfare my husband works as a pipe layer connecting water mains I have never had Child Service's ever even call me for a damn thing to the last person to comment don't point fingers cause you always have 4 pointing right back at you.....talk about trashy does this chick no me or any of the people she is saying doesn't deserve their child no she probably doesn't and that is trashy to saying something so hurtful to some one you don't even know!

Andera - posted on 10/20/2010

If you're under the influence of any drug with kids, you're a crappy parent. Some people don't deserve their children because they aren't mature enough to understand how critical things are exactly..Notice the people who took the poll chances are they are unemployed on welfare and have CPS at their door every second...but sure Pot is not a big deal...thats trashy in my opinion.

Tiffany - posted on 10/20/2010

This is such a hot button issue with so many. Marijuana is not as bad as everyone tends to say. My father smoked it when I was younger. My whole family really, but never around us kids. Did we know they smoked? Yes. I did not smoke until I was 18 and have not since I was 21. I have friends who do though. I do NOT condone it being done ANYWHERE in the vicinity of children in any way. I also do not condone alcohol being around children, or cigarettes. I think it's disgusting to bring your child around that IMO. I don't think you should do it while your child is sleeping either, because you should be prepared for anything. But if you are going to allow alcohol which is worse in so many ways to be legal, then marijuana should be legalized as well. Everyone who smokes marijuana does NOT do it because they are trying to fix a problem. Just as with anything else, everyone has something that relaxes them.

Emily - posted on 10/20/2010

another interesting thing about pot...i suffer from lupus. I have immense joint and muscles pains. over the counter pain killers do nothing for the pain. Smoking pot relieves me of the pain. I would rather relax with a joint than take prescription pills that can be addicting.

Shandi - posted on 10/20/2010

and to the people talking about the buzz you get its not that major if you are not a first time smoker lets get real pot does not make you see things that are not there. 2 does not make you violent.3 does not make your emotions go all crazy all it makes you want to do is relax and eat food so how bad is that
I think most of you are very judgmental and thanks for called me and a lot of woman you have never met or spoken to bad mothers real classy!

Shandi - posted on 10/20/2010

I agree with a few women here and I think already some women are being very rude and judgmental. I smoke pot when my baby is out for the night and NOTHING changes to the next morning I get up with her and go about the day and she is very healthy and smart and no one is ever going to say just because I smoke when she is sleep it makes me a bad mom cause I give her my all!
I will smoke when my mom is watching her but again I can handle my smoke and it doesn't make me lose control at any point and if it does that to you don't smoke
so to the woman who said keeping an eye out for other people attacking I feel attacked by this post in general its offensive and very rude basically calling me a bad mother and none of you know me soo...

K - posted on 10/19/2010

Personally, I don't and never would do any sort of drug around my son or otherwise. I had my "fun" when I was younger but my priorities are different now. I will drink occassionally but that's as far as I'm willing to take it. There are people who want to smoke weed and although I might not necessarily agree with it, I'm not going to be a hypocrite and judge people who like to have a joint to wind down. If that's what works for people, then it's their life and they're free to make their own choices.

Emily - posted on 10/19/2010

here's an interesting little fact...the reason pot was outlawed was to curb illegal immigration from Mexico. Did the government's plan work? no. I would not smoke pot if my child was home, just like I do not drink more than a glass of wine when my child is home. However, alcohol has been proven to cause neurological damage as well as damage to your organs. it causes people to lose control of their emotions and often people become violent. Ever met a violent pot smoker? I haven't. If they were violent it wasn't when they were high. Personally I think there needs to be tougher laws about alcohol, and pot should be legal. If it was legal they could tax it and there would be less people in jail due to it. A lot of the overcrowding in jails is due to petty crimes such as possession of pot. We should be more concerned about more serious crimes. Recently a police officer here where I live drove drunk and killed a man. He didnt receive any jail time.

Rachel - posted on 10/19/2010

I can't speak for anyone else here, but my comments regarding marijuana were not meant to be applied to people who use "medical marijuana". That's a whole different issue. I do think it has it's place in medicine. But, the majority of people aren't using it to cure anything, to prevent pain, etc... They're using it irresponsibly, just like people who abuse prescription drugs. And whether or not it affects ones abilities to raise their child, if they are using it illegally, it's setting a bad example.

Jessica - posted on 10/19/2010

well clearly hunny, YOU'VE never puffed on a joint before, cause all your arguments are completely biased. I smoke pot, every day, with or without kids. Its my medication. I have scoliosis, and its the only thing I can take that allows me to be completely alert and able to care for my kids. AND not ONCE have i ever been 'too buzzed' to take care of them!!! Just because pot is a drug, that means its bad and we're bad people for doing it? Look at the Oxy Contin addicts out there with kids, spending their grocery money on their next fix. Or the Valium abuser? These are prescription drugs, and there are more people creating addictions and even dying from something their doc gave them for pain, or whatever the need is. Not one person has EVER died from marijuana use, do your research. I have, as I have 2 kids and want to make sure they understand what pot is, that they know this is mommy's medication, it is NOT for kids and its not as harmful as most people try to make them believe it is. And whats BS is trying to blame marijuana for people's other addictions, like your brother's heroin problem. That's not pot's fault, its your brother's for wanting a better high. A lot of people are like that, and thats where addictions come from; then there's the rest of us who arent smoking it for the high, but for the relief. To throw EVERY marijuana user into one category, and blame us ALL for being irresponsible, buzzing drug fiends just goes to show you how uneducated so many people are on the subject. Its people like you who stand in the way of true knowledge on the sunbject, and understanding. Please do your research on ALL aspects of pot, and Im sure you will find that no one has died from a pot overdose, or being behind the wheel while impaired on pot, and if you search a little harder, you'll see that Cannabis in its purest forms, can not only help prevent cancer, but actually CURE IT. wow, so much for an ILLEGAL DRUG thats soooooo bad for you. Everyone's allowed to have their opinions, but to put people down and trash them just because of what your uneducated, biased parents taught you is just wrong. Now Im off to smoke a joint cause my back hurts from sitting here and typing this much.....This subject is always a touchy one with me cause everyone is either like myself, and knows what pot really is and what it actually does(buzz all night DEFINATELY aint one of em) and then theres the rest, who are too scared to try it, or let themselves know the REAL FACTS, so they act like they know anything and everything there is to know about it, and its worse when someone they know had a bad experience with it. bottom line is, YOU'RE NO BETTER THAN ME(and every other tokin mom) AS A PERSON AND AS A MOM JUST CAUSE I SMOKE POT AND YOU DONT.

Jennifer - posted on 10/19/2010

i use to smoke pot and drink all day long until i got pregnant w/ my 1st baby then i havent smoked pot since but bwt baby number one and baby number 5 i have had adrink or two I BELEIVE alcohol is way worse, i dont feel there is anything wrong w/ sitting down and hittig a joint every once in a while..actually i stopped smoking ciggarettes about a year and 5mths ago and i realized how much stress i releived when i would go smoke so for a lot of people thats what pot does for them. i personally would be smoking pot myself to just calm my nervous every once in a while(being a mother of 5 of m own and 2 step sons) but it makes me eat then tired..lol but it doesnt effect my judgement. i just think everyone has their own opinion and decision and no one should judge it. I have a saying "ONLY JESUS CAN JUDGE" but as far as drinking NO i dont think you should have a drink while caring for a child. i think they should stop worrying about people w/ a joint or blunt in their car and focus on the poeple whom have taken a mother,father,child,sister,brother,or other familky member from somone because of drinking and driving... so thats just my opinion!!!

Aizah - posted on 10/19/2010

i agree with christy williams.. being a parent is one great responsibility. so if you cant handle being parent.. then why did you decided to be a parent..

Jaime - posted on 10/19/2010

Christi, what you did for your friend was the right thing, I think. She was being extremely irresponsible. However, I don't think all marijuana users should be lumped into the same category as your friend. Just as there are those who have the occasional cigarette vs. chain smokers, or a beer a week vs. alcoholic, there are some people who can and will abuse anything. But just because one person does that doesn't mean every person who is associated with that drug will do the same. It is all a matter of how your body reacts to it, and some people react negatively to over-the-counter pain medication, so why not to other things?

I hope your friend is in better shape now. That's sad that she got so engrossed with drugs that you had to turn her in to the police. But I still think you did the best thing for her, and if she IS in better shape, I'm sure she'd feel the same.

Jaime - posted on 10/19/2010

Ok.

I don't agree with smoking pot, but I see more wrong with drinking and cigarettes than I do with marijuana.

I know the effects of marijuana because I researched it independently of my mother's claims (she has been smoking for the last few years, with my brother in high school and myself married). It does not cause hallucinations. It curbs aggression and relieves stress. It is not addictive. It has healing properties and is used in medicine for cancer patients and those with extreme pain. In large quantities it CAN reduce alertness, but that depends on how the person's body reacts to it, just like with alcohol. It increases the production of estrogen in men and can cause increased appetite and weight gain. And, like any drug, it can react with other drugs or alcohol and have a negative effect.

But that's about it. Any horror stories I've heard involving marijuana also involved alcohol or meth or something along those lines. I've never heard of a pothead in a car crash because they don't drive fast enough to get into crashes, and I've never heard of a pothead killing someone because they're too lazy and laid back to get pissed.

As for personal experience, I think it's much better for a parent whose children are grown or almost grown to smoke marijuana than a parent whose children are younger and impressionable, or a teenager whose body is going through enough hormonal changes without increased estrogen or weight gain.

My mother smokes and I can tell you she is a much easier person to get along with than she was before she started smoking. The same goes for my great grandma. My little brother smokes as well, and I don't like it, but he shows much less aggression than he used to before my mother started smoking.

I would like for my brother to stop because I think he is too young to be taking part in any kind of activity like this, and because I think it is having a negative effect on his body. But I don't think my little brother is going to go off and start doing meth because he smokes pot. I think he's smarter than that, for one, since his sperm donor is a meth-head, and even if he did go on to try some of the harder drugs, it would be because his friends pressured him into doing so. It wouldn't be because of the marijuana.

So, all in all, I think marijuana has a bad rep because of the stupid people who pair it with other drugs. I will never smoke because I have asthma and I just don't want any kind of smoke in my lungs, but I don't think that marijuana alone is as horrible as people make it out to be.

My husband doesn't smoke and would never smoke but he also doesn't think marijuana is as bad as people try to make it. He and I both figure that people are free to do as they please as long as they are paying attention to their health, can still function in the real world, and don't smoke or drink themselves into a stupor or put others in danger.

Rebecca - posted on 10/18/2010

I wouldn't bash any one who smokes pot. I did it in high school, but didn't care for the constant paranoia, ichy-red eyes, and constant hunger. That being said, I do not condone parents smoking weed around their kids, or getting drunk around them, or even smoking cigarettes when their children are RIGHT THERE. Don't get me wrong, i enjoy the occasional cigarette, or mixed drink now and then , but i never smoke around my son, and i never drink and get impaired in any way. Like some of the earlier posts, I have NEVER heard of a person getting too high and wrecking their vehicle, or getting stoned and beating their wife (or husband). I think that alcohol and prescription drugs are way worse than pot could ever be. My brother used to drink really bad. I would get scared to even be around him, because he could NOT control himself while he was drunk. He would get mad so easily about some of the stupidest things, and he would be looking to fight anyone who happened to be in his way. He smoked pot before the drinking, and he was NEVER like that no matter HOW HIGH he got. He was always peaceful, and funny, and in a good mood. I personally would much rather see someone smoke pot than drink.

Ali - posted on 10/18/2010

There must be some kind of serious issue, if you need a beer, or a hit off a pipe, while being parent on duty. I get it, it's for recreational purposes, and maybe smoking a little bit, make you a calmer, more laid back parent. BUT that is what Mommy time is for. As long as you make sure that you have some time for yourself, to unwind, it should all be well.

Christina - posted on 10/18/2010

Weed is not a dangerous drug. It does not lead to harder drugs. I smoke and I can tell you that I do not just sit on the couch and watch my life melt away. I think that weed is very benefical for some people, just ask a cancer patient or someone in severe pain or with any number of other medical problems. Marajuana is a proven treatment for certain problems. It wont cure anything but it sure will make things alot more comfortable.

Everyone here keeps saying its illegal, but what happens when Marajuana is made legal. Legalization is coming and its coming soon people. Its already legal for a large number of people. Will everyone still be so aganist it when its made legal?

I smoke but its not like I smoke up when my children are awake or present. My children know the dangers of drugs and alcohol. Its an open conversation that we have. Of course as they get older that context of the conversation will change but as for know they know all drugs are bad.

I dont think its fair for people to judge weed if they have never tried it. Just because Uncle Sam says its bad, doesnt mean it really is. I have a very active family, the girls are in soccer, softball, girl scouts and the school choir. I am the one who is taking them here there and everywhere. I am also a single mom and I have 2 very happy girls. Anytime my girls need me I am here for them. Smoking does not alter my mind as I never high when I am around them. I love my girls and I would never do anything to hurt them or put them in danger.

Christi - posted on 10/18/2010

To the people that were wondering, no I have never smoked pot in my life, never even considered trying it. One because I think it is idiotic, no offense, but two because I have servere allergies to damn near all plants, lol. I do know from experience what it can do to you. My best friend unfortunately got heavy into pot our junior year and I was unfortunately around her when she smoked. I went with her to her dealer because I was afraid of the decisions she would make while high or that something would happen to her and thank God I was there. Whoever says it doesn't give you a buzz has either smoked too long or is full of bs. She was so stoned she could barely walk and I had to drive her home. Not to mention when she was high, she wanted to jump anything with two legs and a penis. I am not saying everyone is like that, but I was around her enough when she was high to know what an effect it can have on you. She would get paranoid and freaked out on me once and after that I turned her over to the police. It killed me to do it, but she was becoming a pot head, her grades were slipping and I was afraid she would end up missing or pregnant or start doing other, more hardcore drugs. That's my experience with the drug and just because I haven't tried it myself doesn't mean it takes a rocket scientist to see what it can do to you.

Kat - posted on 10/18/2010

I don't like it, but my husband used to smoke and some of his friends still do. I don't think it makes you a bad person or anything. I never tried it because I found out the smoke closes my throat up... (BIG anti-drug there...lol) Our friends that do smoke do not bring any around my son so therefore they don't smoke around my son so I can't really get mad about them smoking because it's their life, they don't do it around my son or in my house, so I let them be about it...