Healthy Habits: Marijuana Moms - Interview with Dr. Kantor

More mothers are smoking marijuana than ever before. These mothers are labeled marijuana moms and claim it is perfectly healthy. Critics say it isn’t and point to dangers in smoking marijuana and breastfeeding and other issues. What is leading this rise in marijuana smoking moms? What are the dangers? I had a chance to interview Dr. Keith Kantor, a leading nutritionist and CEO of the Nutritional Addiction Mitigation Eating and Drinking (NAMED) program. Dr. Kantor says that this rise in marijuana smoking mothers is largely due to self-medication for depression and slight forms of mental illness.

The stereotypical marijuana user isn't a mother, but why is marijuana use among mothers on the rise?

The use among mothers is on the rise along with the use of wine and alcohol.  Research has shown that the baby boomers, generation X and even older millennial moms are unwinding with more alcohol and marijuana.  The legalization of marijuana in some states has exposed this use and maybe even encouraged it for those who were once afraid of getting arrested for using it. 

How prevalent of a problem is it?

There are a couple of major problems with the rise in use of marijuana among mothers. Legalizing marijuana at a state level has made the logistics of drug trafficking easier for cartels.  People are driving, mailing, and flying marijuana from state to state blurring the lines from the legal and illegal markets. The illicit exportation of cannabis must be stemmed as it undermines the spirit of the law and the integrity of the legal market.

This poses a major problem because the black market cartels are greedy and have found ways to distribute a highly addictive and potent version of marijuana. 

Marijuana contains THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, it is the chemical responsible for most of marijuana's psychological effects and CBD, or cannabidiol an ingredient noted for its potential health benefits.  The problem is the percentage of CBD is falling and THC is rising.  THC, is known for the relaxing “high” which includes a mild case of the munchies and a good nights sleep, but the high potent level of THC that marijuana contains now can cause panic attacks, and even psychosis.  This high potency product is also a higher price; this is the incentive for growers. It is also much more potent than it was years ago. It now stimulates the opiate receptors and causes a dopamine response, making it addictive with continued use.

If person suspects one of her parenting friends is doing drugs, what can she do?

If they suspect that their friend is abusing drugs and has become addicted to a substance then an intervention with close family and friends would be a start.  A professional team of addiction health professionals and a rehabilitation program is the most effective way to get off of an abused substance. 

If a mother is tempted to try drugs, what are some good resources and options?

A professional therapist/counselor would be a start, the temptation to escape through drug use is usually from an emotional problem that they feel like is out of their control. Working on behavior modifications and noticing triggers with an objective person like a therapist is a great start.

Dr. Keith Kantor (drkeithkantor.com) is a leading nutritionist and CEO of the Nutritional Addiction Mitigation Eating and Drinking (namedprogram.com)