Cannabis Makes You a Better Parent New Study Says

Study Says Cannabis Use Makes Parents More Mindful, Engaged

Marijuana Makes You a Better Parent New Study Says from CannabisNet on Vimeo.

In even more evidence that cannabis use is beneficial to constantly stressed-out parents, a new study says that 8 out of 10 parents who toke up helps them become better parents.

The data, results of a survey conducted by New York City-based consulting firm Miner & Co Studio, found that today’s cannabis-consuming parents are worlds away than the stereotypical parents that are portrayed on media. Miner & Co conducted an online survey asking 800 cannabis-consuming parents who live in states where recreational and/or medical cannabis-friendly states about how pot helps them bond better with their kids through television.

All the parents had kids who were younger than 18 years old, consume cannabis, are between 21 to 55 years old. Almost half of them were equally divided into males and females, with 77% of them taking in annual incomes of $75,000 or more.

The Boob Tube And Pot

They found that parents who sneak out to partake of some pot before watching television with their kids find it more enjoyable because they are more engaged. Almost 8 out of 10 actually admit to smoking some pot when or before watching television with their kids. These parents feel that doing so has a positive impact on the quality time they spend with their kids as a family. In fact, 8 out of 10 respondents said that smoking pot while watching television shows with their kids makes it more enjoyable; it helps them spend more time with their kids watching TV, and they are also more engaged with their kids when they’re stoned.

However, that doesn’t mean that these parents are irresponsible about their consumption. 8 out of 10 of them say that they are wary not to get too stoned, and may likely ingest edibles as opposed to smoking or vaping when they are around their kids.

An 86% of the respondents feel that cannabis use helps to enhance the experience of watching television shows with their kids (studios and networks, pay attention!). Cannabis contributes to their enjoyment when watching TV so much more than 79% are more likely to binge on shows, 77% more eager to try watching a new series or show, and 77% feel that more engrossed in the show; enough to let commercials play when they’re stoned.

Forget The Stereotype Stoner Parent

It’s high time that we do away with the lazy, irresponsible, and forgetful stereotype whether a cannabis user is a parent or not.

Seven out of 10 parents admit to frequently consuming cannabis either for medical or recreational purposes but they do not think of themselves as stoners. They describe themselves as ‘present’, ‘active’, ‘mindful,’ ‘relaxed’, and even ‘professional’ – after all, how can you box someone as a stereotype if they are taking home a salary of $75,000 or more a year?

Only less than half of the respondents would identify themselves as a “bumbling” or “forgetful” parent.

Cannabis Is A Healthy Part Of Parenting Culture

“The stoner stereotype is so prevalent and persistent in TV and Media that it continues to stigmatize those for whom cannabis is part of their active and healthy lifestyle,” says Miner & Co. president Robert Miner. “This is especially true for Cannabis Consuming Parents who feel that cannabis plays a positive role in their lives and in some ways, improves their parenting and time spent with their families – including watching TV. They find themselves better able to put aside the impatience that is such an entrenched part of today’s adult experience and take the time to relax and bond with their kids. However, they’re keenly aware that others are far too likely to judge them based on stoner stereotypes. They recognize that TV and Media in general have played a role in reinforcing these perceptions and want that to change. The creative community has an opportunity to recognize the negative impact of these representations and present cannabis consumption in a more positive light to help overcome the stoner stereotype that casts a stigma on key members of their audience – including parents who consume cannabis.”

Miner & Co also found that over 7 in 10 of cannabis-using parents feel that media still encourages the portrayal of cannabis users as “silly and forgetful stoners”. Because of this stigma, many of these parents feel that they can’t be open about their own use.

Marijuana Makes You a Better Parent New Study Says from CannabisNet on Vimeo.