Medical Cannabis and Motherhood: A New Zealand Study on Parenting and Well-being

A groundbreaking study from New Zealand has shed light on the ways medical cannabis (MC) is shaping the parenting experience for mothers who use it to manage health conditions. The research, published in Drug and Alcohol Review, found that cannabis played a crucial role in improving the well-being of mothers, allowing them to be more present and engaged in their children’s lives. However, significant barriers remain, including high costs, legal risks, and persistent social stigma.

Cannabis as a Parenting Aid

The study, conducted by Massey University in Auckland, interviewed 15 mothers who had used medical cannabis—whether legally prescribed or obtained illicitly—within the past year. The findings indicate that cannabis was not merely a therapeutic aid for managing conditions such as anxiety, arthritis, and endometriosis, but also a tool that helped mothers cope with the stresses of parenting.

“Mothers reported MC as an important facilitator of their ability to positively parent their children,” the study noted, emphasizing that pain and mental health management contributed to greater emotional availability and patience. Many mothers described cannabis as instrumental in reducing symptoms of anxiety, depression, and PTSD, leading to improved communication and stronger connections with their children.

Methods of Consumption and Access

The mothers surveyed reported diverse methods of cannabis use:

• 46.6% primarily smoked cannabis
• 40% used edibles
• 26.6% relied on oils
• 20% vaped
• 6.7% consumed tea or used topicals

A significant challenge noted in the study was access. More than half (53.3%) obtained cannabis exclusively from the unregulated market, while only a small fraction (13.3%) used prescription products alone. The high cost of legal medical cannabis often forced mothers—particularly those who were single, disabled, or low-income—to seek alternatives on the illicit market.

One participant described the financial burden: “It’s the last thing on the budget because as a mum, you’re always the last thing on the budget. The things that children need come first.” Another mother reported only being able to afford medical cannabis once in an eight-month period.

Responsible Consumption and Conversations with Children

While the mothers were strong advocates for medical cannabis, they were also deeply aware of the responsibility that came with its use. The study found that all participants made a conscious effort to consume cannabis in a way that did not interfere with their parenting duties. Many reserved use for evenings or after their children had gone to bed.

As one mother explained, “I’d leave it till the evening so that I didn’t have any tasks to perform, or I didn’t have to worry about being present for the kids.”

Discussions with children about cannabis were also a key focus. The mothers approached these conversations in three ways:

1. Framing cannabis as medicine – treating it like any other medication.
2. Acknowledging societal stigma – explaining that while some people view cannabis negatively, it provides real therapeutic benefits.
3. Highlighting cannabis as a natural remedy – positioning it as a plant with healing properties.

Despite this openness, some mothers expressed apprehension about discussing cannabis use, fearing it might be misunderstood or misinterpreted by their children.

Legal and Social Risks

In addition to stigma, legal risks were a major concern—particularly for single mothers. Some feared their cannabis use could be used against them in custody disputes or legal proceedings. Others acknowledged racial disparities in law enforcement.

One Māori mother noted that the high cost of prescription cannabis disproportionately affected her community, making legal access unattainable for many. Meanwhile, some NZ European mothers believed that their white privilege reduced the likelihood of facing legal consequences if caught with illicit cannabis.

One participant stated, “White privilege comes in here in that I do think it would be unlikely I would get jail time. If they found it in my possession, there’s a little bit of the idea that because of my ethnicity, and my educated vocabulary, I think conviction would be unlikely.”

A Growing Body of Research on Cannabis and Parenting

The New Zealand study contributes to a broader conversation about cannabis and parenting. Similar research in the United States has indicated that while most parents avoid consuming cannabis in front of their children, many report positive parenting behaviors after use.

A federally funded U.S. study found that parents who used cannabis exhibited increased engagement with their children, provided they consumed responsibly. Another study suggested that medical cannabis legalization could increase parental involvement, particularly in households with young children.

Additionally, research has indicated that states with legal medical cannabis saw a nearly 20% drop in foster care admissions due to parental drug misuse. In some cases, adult-use legalization was also associated with a reduction in foster care placements related to neglect, parental incarceration, and substance misuse.

The Future of Cannabis and Parenting

While the New Zealand study had a small sample size and does not reflect all mothers’ experiences, it highlights a shift in attitudes toward cannabis use in parenting. As legalization expands globally, conversations around cannabis, parenting, and responsible use will continue to evolve.

The findings suggest a need for clear guidelines and policies to support mothers who rely on medical cannabis. Reducing financial barriers, addressing legal risks, and fostering open discussions between parents and healthcare providers could create a more supportive framework for those who choose cannabis as part of their wellness routine.

As cannabis research advances, the conversation is no longer just about legality—it’s about access, equity, and the role cannabis plays in shaping healthier, more resilient families.