A growing online movement promoting cannabis use among mothers to manage the stresses of parenting has sparked concern among child welfare experts and health professionals. The group, which refers to themselves as “gardeners” or “garden moms,” advocates for using marijuana as a coping mechanism for anxiety and overwhelm associated with caring for young children.
The phenomenon has gained traction on social media platforms such as TikTok, where the hashtag “#gardenmom” is attached to tens of thousands of videos. Among the notable figures is Taylor Mitchem, who resumed daily cannabis use when her child was two and a half years old to alleviate anxiety and symptoms linked to ADHD.
Proponents argue that marijuana helps them maintain patience, reduce stress, and remain present with their children without becoming overwhelmed. Many emphasize that they prioritize family well-being and do not allow cannabis to interfere with caregiving responsibilities. They also report avoiding driving shortly after using cannabis.
However, medical experts caution against these practices due to potential risks to both maternal and child health. Research indicates that marijuana use during pregnancy is associated with low birth weight, premature delivery, and adverse neurological outcomes in children, including a heightened chance of developing ADHD. Postpartum cannabis use may further jeopardize child safety, as young children require constant, vigilant supervision.
Data from child maltreatment investigations reveal that impaired parental awareness, particularly involving substance use, is a significant factor in many fatal cases linked to unsafe sleep environments. While co-sleeping is generally safe when the parent remains alert, drug or alcohol impairment can reduce responsiveness to a child’s distress signals, increasing the risk of harm.
Critics also highlight the lack of scientific evidence supporting cannabis as an effective treatment for anxiety or depression, noting that marijuana can exacerbate mental health conditions. Concerns extend to potential dangers of impaired judgment during caregiving, especially with mobile toddlers prone to hazards such as hot surfaces, open doors, or small objects.
Some “garden moms” contend that limited external support and inadequate parenting assistance contribute heavily to their stress, which cannabis helps temporarily mitigate. Yet experts argue that the normalization of drug use in parenting settings may obscure the importance of sober, attentive care essential for child safety.
Questions remain regarding how long a cannabis high lasts and the degree of impairment it causes, complicating assessments of when it is safe for caregivers to resume active supervision or drive with children. A recent study from Ohio recorded cannabis presence in nearly half of drug-related car crash fatalities, underscoring potential risks of impaired driving.
The debate touches on broader cultural shifts around motherhood and substance use, highlighting tensions between individual coping strategies and child welfare imperatives. While recognizing that parenting can be challenging and isolating, professionals emphasize that close, sober supervision is critical during early childhood to prevent accidents and ensure healthy development.