Are you thinking of coming out of the cannabis closet to family and friends? I know it can feel intimidating—I felt the same before I decided to share my story. Below I tell my journey and offer practical, compassionate advice for talking about cannabis use with loved ones, so you can find support and understanding.
Article Features
- A candid personal story first published in 2019
- Practical tips for deciding whether and how to talk to loved ones about your cannabis use
- Want to explore your options? Shop curated, quality cannabis products for delivery across the US—carefully selected by me for safety and consistency.
Why You Will Love This Post
“I have used cannabis every day for the past ten years…”
Admitting that publicly felt impossible to me for a long time. I kept my use private because of stigma and fear of judgment. Yet cannabis has been a daily part of my wellness routine since I was 20, helping me manage mood, anxiety, and overall balance.
For years I carried shame about using cannabis. I worried about labels like “drug addict” and how others would define me. Over time I learned to view my choices through a different lens: what helps me function, feel well, and show up for my family.
Today I speak openly about using cannabis without apology. My hope is to help others make empowered choices—whether they decide to be open about their use or keep it private.
Watch this post as a video…
The Backstory
To understand my present, it helps to understand my past.
As a teenager I struggled with intense emotions and anger. My relationship with my parents was volatile despite their efforts to help. We tried counseling, but the problems persisted. Early on I learned our family had a history of anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder, but I didn’t fully grasp what that meant for me then.
A Family Tragedy
When I was 16, my cousin—also 16—took her own life. It was devastating and left a lasting impact on our family. At the time, the family believed a new depression medication had played a role. That tragedy shaped how I viewed medication and mental health moving forward. I share this not to advise for or against any treatment, but to explain why I approached my own care differently.
An Introduction to Cannabis
At 17 I left for college and returned home after a difficult first semester. I was depressed, anxious, and felt like a failure. Around that time I began dating someone who introduced me to cannabis. His family used it responsibly as part of their lifestyle, and I witnessed how it could support calm and connection.
As my use became more consistent, I noticed a real change: I could manage my emotions better, control my anger, and experience contentment for the first time in years. I enrolled in community college, worked as a waitress, and met my future husband. With newfound emotional stability I started to thrive academically and personally.
Cannabis Changed My Life
Using cannabis helped me become emotionally stable, motivated, and productive. In my first semester at community college I earned a 4.0 and made the Dean’s List. That success gave me confidence and opened doors I hadn’t thought possible.
What I Have Accomplished Because of Cannabis
I pursued nutrition studies, earned scholarships, and eventually transferred to Rochester Institute of Technology, where I excelled academically. I worked nights to pay my bills and tuition, applied to and completed a distance dietetic internship, and graduated with a Master of Science while pregnant—achievements I believe were powered in part by the balance cannabis provided.
Cannabis Use After Motherhood
I chose not to use cannabis during pregnancy, and after my son was born I experienced a postpartum period of depression like many new mothers. When I returned to cannabis use after that break, I noticed renewed motivation and clarity. That helped me start a blog, build a business, and gradually move away from clinical work that didn’t fit my values.
For years I lived with the fear of being “found out.” But over time I chose to align my life and work with my truth, which allowed me to grow professionally and personally.
I am Successful Because I Use Cannabis
In 2017 I left a hospital job I disliked and focused on building my own business. Since then I’ve been self-employed, grown a business from a blog into a company that supports my family, paid down student loans, and created a home workspace where I love to work.
Happiness Was the Result
Every day I feel grateful for the life I’ve built. I recognize my privilege and appreciate living in a time when I can be open about who I am. Cannabis isn’t for everyone, but if something genuinely improves your well-being, you don’t need to carry shame about it.
My core message: do what works for you, thoughtfully and safely. If cannabis brings you better health and happiness, that’s a valid and personal choice.
Thank you for reading and for not judging me. Your support means the world.
Want to learn more about me? Listen to the full conversation on my Well With Cannabis Podcast.
Want to learn more about cannabis?
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