Support Groups for Cannamoms
The CannaMom Round Table Is Back With Our Final Episode on How CannaMoms Can Get The Support They Need
Shonitria: This plant brings us together. It's a communal plant.
The whole purpose is to have conversations like the one we’re having now.
I think that cannabis opens you up when you lean into it. It lets you be your most vulnerable.
Ok, I have one more question for you ladies. How important is having a support system? And how can you build one if you don’t have one?
Wendy: A gratitude list. One of my healers helped me years ago and just asked something offhand.
They asked, "What do you love to do? What are the things that you love?”
So, I started a list of things that I care about. And anytime that I'm having a hard time, when I don't have anybody else and don't know who to call, I'll go to my list.
Tammy: For me, I didn’t have family to support me. And so sometimes you have to build your community with the people around you, like college friends.
I have a few friends that if I call and say “Hey, I have this incredible opportunity, but I don't have a sitter,” they will fly in for 24 hours.
Blood doesn't make them any less my family than my relatives. I see my friends and family as equal.
Finding those relationships, holding on to them, and learning how to navigate conflict with people is important.
Shonitria: But then it's just knowing people, right? It’s about knowing who's gonna be able to show up and in what capacity.
You want to avoid setting up unfair expectations on people. Sometimes the way people show up is the best way they can. Just let them show up that way. Don’t ask more than they can give.
Tammy: Yeah, it’s true.
And listen, Instagram friends–do not take them for granted.
They have been supporting and hyping me since I started.
Like Perly, in Canada—oh my god. I know about her husband, her daughter, and I've been following her for years.
If you're feeling alone, there are internet people who will probably support you more than your family.
Wendy: Ok, so I was testing this stuff for the Hemp Cup. I bought the little kit and brought it home.
And then I opened it up and just said to all my Instagram friends, “If anybody wants to come over and help me test these products, you have to write a little bio and let me read it.”
And I got fifteen women who showed up that night. It was amazing. So yeah, Instagram friends are real friends.
Amber: Some of my favorite and closest friends are from the internet.
It is about community. And it's about remembering, too, that it's not always family and your blood relatives. It's really about the ones that you create and cultivate.
As a mom, it is so important having friends who will come watch or keep your kids for you.
Because sometimes you have to go do something and those people are clutch.
Shonitria: Nurture your relationships. I feel that it can get difficult balancing friendships and intimate relationships, especially as a mom.
And so sometimes friendships fall by the wayside. But I would say that friendships are just as important as your more intimate ones.
Cece: What's crazy is that Renee and I had worked together first and then we became friends. And then we started a business together.
Things like business really test a friendship and will add difficulties on top of everything. I really commend us for making it work.
Shonitria: Are there any parting thoughts that you guys would like to give or say about mental health or your own relationships?
Wendy: The thing I'm taking away from this is that, as women, just help and forgive each other.
Tammy: Exactly. Like, I am going to send people I’m upset with a passive aggressive meme. That's how I'm going to communicate.
It's going to make them laugh, but they're also going to know that I need some attention.
Amber: Mine would just be grace, for yourself and for others.
Everybody's going through something, and I think the sooner we all realize that and accept that, things get better.
Renee: You have to be gentle with yourself. And I had somebody recently ask me if I had space to talk.
That was so refreshing. I didn’t, but it meant a lot that they took the time to ask.
Cece: I think sharing your stories is something I’d advise people to do. I think that the more you share, the more people share back.
It's a give and take type of thing. And I think that it's very healing and helpful and we should all do more of it.
Tammy: My advice is to get a therapist that is also a woman of color. It was such a game changer for me.
Having somebody that can understand your experience because they've been through it is a game changer.
It’s different than with a man who can only empathize to a certain extent. And even their empathy is filtered through their own biases.
Shonitria: Ok, all that’s great advice. Thank you guys so much for coming to chat and have this wonderful conversation. This has been amazing.
UP YOUR ADVOCACY
With My New Guide on How to Be a Cannabis Advocate
FREE When You Subscribe to Cutie Insider Updates
*The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment. Please consult your medical care provider. Read our full Health Disclaimer.
