Does Pot Help Parenting?

by Heisenberg Posted 2012/09/10 17:00:00

Related Topics: Controversy, Marijuana, Parenting, Lifestyle, Health

737 votes
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	Yes	222 votes	30%
	No	515 votes	70%

A recent New York Times opinion piece makes the case for marijuana use for parents. Do you think smoking pot helps in the parenting department?

NYTIMES.COM reports:
I am a more loving, attentive and patient father when I take my prescribed marijuana medication.

+26

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Heisenberg 2012/09/10 06:19:43

No

+30
The rationalization that pot-heads go through to justify getting high is amusing.
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More polls by Heisenberg

Mj PINKYFINGERDOWN 2013/01/03 22:00:53
Dave 007 2012/10/07 15:12:01

No

Parents that are pot-heads....God help us.

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angie 2012/09/28 19:39:26

Yes

first of all its not no drug its a plant most say no bcause they haven't had tried any or if they did they had a bad trip. marijuana is medicen to help with pain concertion and relxtion, but i dont know the big deal isyou cant overdose like other drugs but thier are sides to it yea you do get lazy but its nothing bad. but aslong as yur away from your child nothing will harm your baby but this is everyone's opppion so i might right and wrong so your choice to pick

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hannah 2012/09/27 23:23:37

No

it shows that you dont care about the rules and the law. if the parent is smoking pot then it is saying that it is okay be rebellion.

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kultur 2012/09/24 16:53:39

Yes

Some parents say its a temporary vacation, after homework, cleanups, everything else that will make you just scream under your breath, lol
...................but if you can't handle it, don't blame everybody if they fall asleep and kids blow up the house, or something else terrible,

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Not My Real Name 2012/09/23 19:55:53

Yes

I don't like being stuck with a yes/no option. However, the only pothead parent I know is a great parent. Moreover, she recently got a masters degree in ethnobotany in Vienna. Her daughter is well adjusted and exceptionally bright.

Admittedly, I am feeling delicious schadenfreude that the issue is so upsetting to some. More stress to you.

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Riku Xander 2012/09/21 23:26:04

Yes

It would be relaxing when your kids are getting on your nerves.

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mischellene.ball 2012/09/20 16:03:10

No

I can't even believe that this is a question????? If you can't drive stoned or drunk, what the hell makes people think that they should be around their kids that way!! I could go on but what is the point if there are really people out there with the opinion that its okay. I'm finding that you can't argue with them or make them come to their senses about anything.

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Pedro Doller ~POTL-PWCM~JLA 2012/09/18 16:57:45

No

Especially not Pol Pot. Children without parents.

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Patriot Lady 2012/09/18 06:50:57

No

If you know a pot head you know a person who is a loser in every area of their life. No, drugs of any kind are a negative.

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.: LiVi :. 2012/09/17 13:20:46

Yes

+1
Everyone could benefit from smoking a bit of weed here and there, just like everyone would benefit from seeing a psychologist. It is therapeutic and mind-opening. I wouldn't recommend smoking it everyday.

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blumunofky 2012/09/15 20:25:55

No

I say no reluctantly, as I think the cultivation and consumption of pot should be legal and would reduce crime, and for many, reduce chronic pain. However, like alcohol, pot also slows reaction time and a parent has to be ready, alert, and boots on the ground to respond to children's emergencies (even if THEY are the one who are chronic pains).

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Null_Shock 2012/09/14 20:52:21

No

No for the most part but some exceptions can apply(like if it us legitimately prescribed, it wouldn't hurtthat parenting.when the child is an infant if you do not have a medical (it has to be a legitimate doctor diagnosed condition) reason to be and don't over do it.. when the child is 12+ maybe. It depends on the person. I myself would be useless I smoke and I'm either so high the onlything I can do is okay bass(or guitar) or I am freaking the hell out(I have a severe anxiety disorder that requires meds) if I have a panic attack while high(I usually have something like a 50% chance of having one on weed, because panic attacks are one of the possible side effects of marijuana. I think it would be infinitely better than alcohol for sure, there are a FRAK TON of alcoholic parents out there...They are drunk all day and drive drunk...alcohol is so much more dangerous than weed. Weed should be legal(not for parenting) , I myself wouldn't smoke it(panic attacks suck) due to my anxiety disorder there is no fun in smoking that. I don't drink much either...I have been stoned once in the last 8 years and have sat down and drank maybe twice in the same time frame....only drugs I take are my anxiety meds. Oh can anyone tell me why people take Xanax for fun? It doesn't get you high(at leas...

No for the most part but some exceptions can apply(like if it us legitimately prescribed, it wouldn't hurtthat parenting.when the child is an infant if you do not have a medical (it has to be a legitimate doctor diagnosed condition) reason to be and don't over do it.. when the child is 12+ maybe. It depends on the person. I myself would be useless I smoke and I'm either so high the onlything I can do is okay bass(or guitar) or I am freaking the hell out(I have a severe anxiety disorder that requires meds) if I have a panic attack while high(I usually have something like a 50% chance of having one on weed, because panic attacks are one of the possible side effects of marijuana. I think it would be infinitely better than alcohol for sure, there are a FRAK TON of alcoholic parents out there...They are drunk all day and drive drunk...alcohol is so much more dangerous than weed. Weed should be legal(not for parenting) , I myself wouldn't smoke it(panic attacks suck) due to my anxiety disorder there is no fun in smoking that. I don't drink much either...I have been stoned once in the last 8 years and have sat down and drank maybe twice in the same time frame....only drugs I take are my anxiety meds. Oh can anyone tell me why people take Xanax for fun? It doesn't get you high(at least not me). It simply prevent you fight/flight instincts in check and helps me feel normal as opposed to constantly on edge and keeps me from losing it and having a panic attack in public(fight/flight instincts there) I don't know I don't feel high in them...maybe it is because I actually need to take them...can anyone who takes them who doesn't need them explain to me why?I ask because I've an ex who is always trying to buy them from me and gets mad when I refuse(which is everytime...mainly because she is a bitch)
(more)

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Tre 2012/09/14 18:59:08

Yes

If people are stupid enough to fall for it then yes...hahahahaha. I tell you one thing. You will definately be more relaxed.

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Doctor 2012/09/14 03:58:14

No

And just to be random

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Joseph Mallery 2012/09/14 01:20:46

No

Makes them dumb, unhealthy, is a bad example on kids, and is a burden on the parent's finances.

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Roy 2012/09/13 23:37:01

No

What a stupid, idiotic, loaded Soda-jerk question for the sheepish masses--even for Sodahead this is DUMB and obviously put so to get people to ARGUE and choose a "side". You want to know what "Helps Parenting" = Doing your best to be a good parent!! I enjoy cannabis, but I'm not stupid enough to think it's a cure all for everything or everyone...you want to have to teach a growing person HOW TO THINK FOR THEMSELVES AND ((QUESTION EVERYTHING)).

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betz 2012/09/13 11:42:12

No

Doing things illegally does not make one a better parent.

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CrystalBall 2012/09/13 03:02:20

Yes

+1
Understanding the properties of the medicine and the variety of ways it can be taken I believe so. We take an aspirin when kids give us a headache. So consuming medicinal marijuana would be the same idea. It can help relieve anxiety and reduce stress which are common ingredients to parenting.

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Catnip 2012/09/13 00:29:27

Yes

Oops! Meant to say "no"! I've seen the kids of pothead parents. They represent the future fededal dependents in America! Not pretty!

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oumammerjammer 2012/09/12 22:45:04

Yes

This guy actually has a prescription for brownies, so the smoking part isn't applicable. Yes, there is a difference, and no, you can't smoke a brownie.

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The Bee Guy 2012/09/12 22:34:33

No

For every one who finds this true, there will likely be a hundred who cannot function around the kids while buzzed. Same with Alcohol. Both are seriously implicated in many child abuse cases.

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kubie5789 2012/09/12 21:14:10

No

I feel it should be legalized, but not because it makes one a better parent.

Let's face some facts: I can admit that (in my pot smoking days) it made me slower to punish and more likely to listen. I even felt like a more objective person in general. I was willing to see my child's side of any issue before getting upset. Sometimes getting upset was avoided altogether, and I knew as it was happening that I would have been as mad as a hatter if I'd been sober.

Nevertheless, I still think it's a bad idea for parents for several reasons: What good is a willingness to listen to your children when you can hardly remember what they were just talking about? The effects on the human memory can make effective parenting difficult at best, impossible at worst.

My eating habits would provide them with a HORRIBLE example of how a person should maintain their diet. I was all too happy to share Twinkies and Doritos with them, and I was too busy seeing their side of the issue to make them eat their vegetables.

And last but most certainly not least is the sedentary lifestyle associated with intoxication. I am a firm believer that happy children lead active lifestyles. I was unintentionally sending them the "couch potato" message, and they were receiving it loud and clear. Since I stopped smoking, I have taken to light workouts no less than three times a week. Whether they follow the example is ultimately up to them, but at least it's there.

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Boss 2012/09/12 19:24:19

No

probably not...but neither does a cocktail...and many have one...or 2.....

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Diddley Squat 2012/09/12 18:24:26

Yes

+1
Some parents.....

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Cuthbert Allsgood 2012/09/12 18:16:12

No

+2
While I'm sure the article writer has noticed that since he is more relaxed that he is willing to spend more time with his kids, that is a choice he made. Marijuana can't make you a better parent, only you can make yourself a better parent by making choices that encourage your kids interests and being involved with them.

Marijuana has medicinal uses, and obvious recreational uses, but it is an intoxicant. I am for legalization of marijuana and I'm a former user of marijuana. But I am much more for people taking the time to raise, interact with, encourage, and teach their children. Don't use an intoxicant for the excuse to be a better parent, simply choose to be a better parent.

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Maiko 2012/09/12 18:12:14

No

Is this a joke? Next it will be "Does crack make you intelligent?" Anything to "justify" drug use. Anything to make drug use seem somehow "ok." Next thing we know, it will be "ok" or "legal" for children age 6 or even younger, to smoke weed! Forget dealing with "LIFE" and reality, let's just have a world full of stoned "slow" idiots, because we don't have enough of them already.....

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simplex5 2012/09/12 17:27:05

No

+1
Come On!!!! Well you tell me?!@##$$ lol

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Willski 2012/09/12 16:12:20

No

+1
If you feel you need chemical assistance for parenting, there's something wrong with you.

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Maiko to Willski 2012/09/12 18:14:44

+1
Exactly... Next thing they will say is that children who smoke weed do better in school and are better students when they are stoned. Unreal....

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Willski to Maiko 2012/09/12 18:32:27

Heh, aye. Atleast there are some sensible people around...

(even if the Steve does have an annoying voice, and the research is from New Zealand, it's still relevant.)

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angie to Maiko 2012/09/28 19:43:08

hey i went to school high all the time and grad from school and i passed with all b's and a's you just learn bettter well thats wht i think

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SC 2012/09/12 16:08:38

Yes

+3
yes, no, maybe -- probably has nothing to do with parenting or anything else. many parents have a drink after work. some smoke a joint. some are good parents, some are not

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Aqua Surf 2012/09/12 15:30:35

No

+1
It only helps the dealer and the cartels.

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Peru 2012/09/12 13:21:18

No

No, it's coca leaf that makes you a better parent.

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{[R0$$]} 2012/09/12 12:43:20

No

+2
Parents getting high.... more neglected children.... future screwed up societies. I would be happy if weed was legalized, but use some common sense people, marijuana to help raise a child? That's pretty damn sad.

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Crystal... to {[R0$$]} 2012/09/13 03:04:43

+1
There are plenty of screwed up neglected children that come from parents that don't get high but rather drink.. Did you know more children are killed by drunk drivers than pot smoking adults? Just saying there are more dangers to our children than high parents.

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seamus 2012/09/12 11:59:16 (edited)

Yes

+3
Yes i beleive that cannabis can help parenting, but that being said you hav to be RESPONSIBLE. you have to be responsible and know how much to take at one time. im 16 years old and ive been smoking for about a year and a half now and i do eveything high, i drive, do homework, go to sleep high, go to school high, and get high at school. when i do these things high i dont get blazed out of my mind, instead i just smoke enough to get the feeling without the drowsy stupor effect or the cant stop laughing kind of high. And those people saying no unless its medication make no sense because medical marijuana patients still get high like eveybody else in fact medical marijuana is the usually the strongest marijuana. but all of that just comes back to what i said before about responsibilty and knowing how to medicate with out getting stupidly high.

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Brenda to seamus 2012/09/12 12:15:51

+1
WTF!

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seamus to Brenda 2012/09/12 12:18:15

?

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