I smoke weed and my kids know all about it, people are horrified but it’s only the same as having a glass of wine
WHILE many mums would do anything they can to shield their children from drug use, one mum has admitted she is openly educating her kids about marijuana.
Caitlin Fladager, 30, lives in Vancouver, Canada, where recreational and medicinal marijuana use is legal.
The mum-of-two regularly uses the drug, which is class B in the UK, and says she doesn’t hide it from her kids.
In a recent Instagram post she hot back at parents who criticise her decision to be so open about her use of cannabis.
Describing how she responds to those who critique her she wrote: “When I come back with ‘we’ll, do you hide your drinks from your kids? Your beer? Your glass of wine, your sangrias in the summer?’
“I often get a confused look and a ‘well, no.. why would i need hide that.’
“I will often ask next if they feel the need to hide the fact that they take anti-depressants, anti anxiety medication, etc. most of the time after this question they will look even more shocked and say ‘that’s way more different than !!’
“My point is alcohol has become so normalized to drink in front of our kids, but the second somebody sees that my kids are aware that my husband and I , in a country where it’s completely legal, that’s where the issue arises.
“So yes, my kids know that my husband and I , and have for years. It’s nothing to be ashamed of or hide.”
Caitlin has previously been honest about how she uses weed to help with her anxiety, the mum says her kids refer to it as “mommy’s little helper” on her “hard days”.
She said that smoking weed actually improves her parenting style.
Posting on Instagram, she previously said: “I have never been the most patient with my two kids.
“Weed makes me a better mom, as I get a good night’s sleep after I smoke. I wake up well rested, and with a more clear mind.”
Caitlin says that she only smokes weed once her kids are in bed, and she uses it in place of antidepressants.
She has faced plenty of criticism with trolls describing her as a “pothead”, “shameful” and a “bad mum” but Caitlin has been quick to hit back.
Posting on Instagram, she previously wrote: “I knew I would be met with criticism, scepticism, and questions.
IS CANNABIS LEGAL IN THE UK?
It’s a crime in the UK to possess, grow, distribute, sell, or grow cannabis.
Being caught with cannabis comes with a maximum of five years in prison, an unlimited fine, or both.
While being convicted of producing and supplying the Class B drug carries up to 14 years behind bars, an unlimited fine, or both.
Police can issue a warning or on-the-spot fine if you’re caught with a small amount – generally less than one ounce – if it is deemed for personal use.
“But in my mind, that was all worth it if I could show at least one person a slightly more natural way to cope with mental health problems.”
Caitlin got pregnant with her high school sweetheart Noah when she was 18 years old and the married couple now share two children, Adriana and Jack.