A mum who regularly uses cannabis believes it can have significant health benefits when used responsibly.
Danielle Simone Brand, a mother of two children aged 12 and 14, claims that the presence of cannabis in her life makes her a better parent.
The author even wrote a book titled Weed Mom, where she interviewed medical experts and other mothers with similar views on the psychoactive drug.
Based in California, where cannabis is legal, 45-year-old Danielle’s stance contrasts with UK law, where the substance remains illegal unless prescribed for medicinal use by the NHS. The organisation warns of associated health risks, including an increased risk of cancer.
Despite this, there are growing campaigns to legalise the drug in the UK, with political parties such as the Liberal Democrats including it in their manifesto. Danielle insists that she has experienced five health benefits from marijuana since she started using it in her mid-30s.
1. Sleep
Speaking from personal experience, she said cannabis helps her achieve a better and longer night’s sleep. She emphasised that balance and dosage are crucial and that everyone’s experience will differ.
She told the Mirror: “Cannabis can really help people and me to slow down at bedtime, to prepare for sleep, to be in a physically relaxed place and to fall asleep and stay asleep longer.”
However, Danielle acknowledged that not everyone will benefit from cannabis, a sentiment echoed by the NHS, which warns that the drug can “worsen anxiety and paranoia” for some individuals.
2. Alcohol deterrent
Danielle opened up about why she prefers the plant over alcohol for relaxation and being present with her family. She explained: “Generally speaking it is my go to for relaxation and transitioning from one part of my day to the next and actually being more present with my family.”
Highlighting the difference between the substances, Danielle noted that while alcohol can alter her personality, cannabis helps her feel more like herself.
She said: “Cannabis has a much lower body load generally, it is pretty gentle on the body if you have the right dose for your body, your physiology, and alcohol is pretty hard on the body with blood sugars spiking and the next day with hangovers, headaches, dehydration, liver damage over time.
“Alcohol has a lot of ill body effects that cannabis just doesn’t have even with more frequent use than alcohol so that is quite appealing to me because I am health conscious and a lot of mums and people I know are health conscious and cannabis feels like an easier choice on the body.”
Despite her positive personal experience, Dr Marta Di Forti from King’s College London warns of the risks associated with regular cannabis use. She stated there is “compelling evidence” that its regular use can increase the risk of psychotic illnesses such as schizophrenia, especially in younger individuals.
Meanwhile, Danielle ensures that her cannabis is kept locked away and never consumed in front of her children. However, she mentioned that her kids see it as normal for her to take time out for the drug as part of her self-care routine.
3. Self-care
The self-proclaimed “cannamom” shared her insights on how cannabis aids movement, saying: “It is a sense enhancer in general, and it really works well to help people take care of their bodies through gentle movement.”
She also claimed it helps to encourage her to put the phone aside and engaging more with the physical world. She remarked on recent studies suggesting active lifestyles among regular cannabis users, saying: “There is research to suggest that regular cannabis consumers exercise more regularly and have lower BMI than non-users.”
Hitting out at stereotypes that those who use cannabis are lazy, she said: “That does not bear out in my experience, I am pretty motivated to move my body and to eat healthy foods and to feel good and nourish myself well with cannabis in my life.”
4. Pain relief
Further discussing its benefits, she views cannabis as a milder pain reliever compared to drugs like Ibuprofen, stating it eases aches efficiently.
Not just physically advantageous, she added: “It also supports a better mood. That is definitely not to say that I or anyone else needs cannabis to be in a good mood but I think those periodic mood enhancements, and the increased enjoyment of physical activity can really support one’s overall health and wellbeing.”
Regarding NHS guidance on long-term pain, it notes: “There is some evidence medical cannabis can help certain types of pain, though this evidence is not yet strong enough to recommend it for pain relief.
“In some cases, however, it may be prescribed for pain as part of a clinical trial.”
5. Sexual health
For her book, the author spoke with mothers who attribute cannabis to a more fulfilling sex life, citing its ability to alleviate stress and improve sleep quality.
The author finds the benefits to sexual health to be significant, stating: “The improved sense of touch and sensuality as well as just the mental relaxation, being able to set aside a to do list and all of those things combined make cannabis wonderful for supporting a good healthy sex life.
“I want to stress that responsible and mindful cannabis use is really important.
“I’m not just talking about maximum THC and getting high all the time, definitely not, I am talking about use that is greeted towards wellness, towards enhancing one’s life, feeling better and showing up better for one’s roles. We are talking about responsible use here.”