In Colorado, a new social‑media trend is emerging among mothers who are swapping the traditional “wine mom” label for a self‑identified “garden mom.” These women, including 36‑year‑old Taylor Mitchem, share daily videos of themselves smoking marijuana as a way to unwind from the pressures of raising young children.
What the “garden mom” movement looks like
Mitchem, who posts on TikTok and Instagram under the handle @thatgardenmomma, describes her routine with a six‑year‑old daughter. She says the term “gardening” is a code for cannabis use, allowing her videos to bypass platform algorithms. Using the hashtag #gardenmom, she and other mothers showcase short clips of their smoke sessions, often emphasizing how the practice helps them feel clearer and more focused as parents.
“Why can’t I take a hit and still be a cool mom?” Mitchem asked, highlighting the desire to balance personal relief with parental responsibilities. She notes that her husband does not use cannabis and dislikes its smell, but he has observed the positive changes she attributes to the plant.
Medical perspective on cannabis and parenting
Dr. Jeremy London, a cardiovascular surgeon with a background in functional medicine, cautioned that while many parents seek natural ways to manage stress, cannabis carries significant health risks. He explained that smoking marijuana can damage the inner lining of arteries, increase heart rate, cause vessel constriction, and trigger the release of stress hormones. These effects can raise the short‑term risk of heart attacks and abnormal heart rhythms, even in individuals without prior cardiovascular disease.
“Smoking cannabis in particular increases your risk of cardiovascular disease significantly,” Dr. London said, noting that the risk can manifest within hours of use. He also warned that any form of cannabis—smoked or otherwise—can alter neurologic function, making it a potentially dangerous coping mechanism.
Comparisons to alcohol and alternative coping methods
When asked to compare cannabis to alcohol, Dr. London acknowledged that alcohol is toxic to every cell in the body, but he stopped short of endorsing marijuana as a healthier substitute. “Cannabis does not have that level of toxicity compared to alcohol, but you are still altering your neurologic function,” he said.
Instead of turning to substances, the doctor recommends exercise, walking, breath work, and meditation as safer ways to manage stress. He emphasized that life is meant to be lived “untampered,” and that numbing both highs and lows can diminish the human experience.
Parental responsibility and visibility
Mitchem insists she never drives after smoking and always prioritizes her daughter’s safety. She points out that a hospital is located directly across the street from her home, providing quick access in case of emergencies. Her daughter, however, is unaware that her mother uses cannabis and is instructed not to enter the room where her mother smokes.
Dr. London, a father of three adult sons, reminded parents that children constantly observe adult behavior. “Kids are always watching what you’re doing, and they learn your coping skills as the best way to do things,” he said, urging parents to consider the long‑term impact of hidden habits.
Legal context
Colorado’s state laws permit adult recreational cannabis use, but the Food and Drug Administration does not evaluate or approve raw cannabis or recreational weed for safety and efficacy. Only specific prescription‑derived cannabinoid medications have federal approval.
The “garden mom” phenomenon reflects a broader national conversation about parental stress, substance use, and health. While some mothers find temporary relief in cannabis, medical professionals continue to stress the importance of understanding the cardiovascular risks and exploring healthier alternatives.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
