Over the past few decades, the image of a stressed mother unwinding with a glass of wine has become a cultural staple. Known as the “mommy wine culture,” it symbolizes a coping mechanism for many women juggling the demands of parenting, work, and personal life.
However, a significant shift is underway. Increasingly, mothers are turning away from wine and towards cannabis as their preferred method of relaxation. This change reflects broader societal trends and evolving attitudes towards cannabis use.
In this article, we will explore what’s causing the change and why cannabis is gaining so much traction.
The Rise of Mommy Wine Culture
The mommy wine culture gained popularity in the early 2000s. It was fueled by social media, marketing, and a societal shift towards openly discussing the challenges of motherhood. Wine was portrayed as a necessary tool for managing stress.
Slogans like “Wine O’clock” and “Mommy’s Little Helper” became a part of the vernacular. This culture was reinforced by memes and even merchandise, creating a sense of camaraderie among mothers who struggled and found solace in wine.
Forbes mentions a Gallup survey from 2023, which found that around 63% of adults drink frequently. It states that mothers are one demographic whose drinking habits are continuously increasing while those of younger generations are declining.
For middle-class, white moms, drinking has growingly become acceptable over the past 15 to 20 years. Particularly among women with children, alcohol use increased dramatically during COVID-19.
What Is a Wine Mum?
“Wine mom” is a term used to characterize a typical upper-middle-class mother who uses wine as a coping mechanism for life’s stresses. These moms drink as a coping mechanism for their frequent overwork or exhaustion as mothers of little children.
Shifting Perceptions of Alcohol
Despite its popularity, the mommy wine culture has faced criticism for normalizing excessive alcohol consumption. Medical professionals and health advocates have raised concerns about the potential health risks, including:
- Addiction
- Mental health issues
- Physical ailments like liver disease
As awareness of these risks grows, many mothers are seeking healthier alternatives to manage stress and unwind.
Roughly 80% of mothers say they sip wine to unwind, and 55% say they use it as a form of self-care. The primary causes of the stress and overload that many mothers experience are handling family finances and maintaining a clean home. This is why so many mothers consume wine.
However, four out of ten mothers say they would prefer to reduce their alcohol use to increase their energy and lose weight. The use of Delta 8 products can be a viable alternative here. Around 71% of moms report using it as a calming agent. The authors of two studies report that it may help alleviate some gut-related problems and be useful for lowering inflammation and pain.
If you are a mom who drinks wine and is looking for an alternative to unwind, you can choose Delta 8. If it is legal in your locality, you will be able to easily find sellers by searching Delta 8 near me on the Internet. This will give you an entire list of stores in your area from where you can get different Delta 8 products, such as:
- Edibles
- Canned drinks
- Gummies
- Tinctures
- Oils, etc.
How Has the Perception of Alcohol Changed Over Time?
The majority of Western countries now see alcohol use more from a medical rather than a moral perspective. This may also have accounted for the reported rise in the number of people seeking aid and treatment. It is a good thing that people are looking at alcohol use disorder as a mental condition and are getting treatment for the same.
The Emergence of Cannabis
Cannabis was once stigmatized and illegal in many parts of the world. However, it is now experiencing a renaissance as many states in the US have legalized its use. This legalization has led to increased accessibility and acceptance by society.
For many mothers, cannabis offers a natural, less harmful alternative to alcohol. Its various forms, from edibles to tinctures, provide versatile options for consumption, making it easier to integrate into daily life.
Health Benefits of Cannabis
Cannabis is often touted for its therapeutic and other health benefits. Unlike alcohol, which can worsen anxiety and depression, cannabis has been shown to have anxiolytic and antidepressant properties. It can help alleviate symptoms of stress, anxiety, and insomnia, common issues faced by many mothers.
Additionally, cannabis is associated with fewer physical health risks compared to alcohol. This makes it an attractive option for those looking to improve their well-being. For example, Medical News Today states that a study found that smoking cannabis is less risky than tobacco. It does not carry the same COPD risk and can be consumed more frequently than tobacco.
Similarly, CBD oil can have various science-backed health benefits, including:
- Offsetting anxiety and depression
- Treating epilepsy syndromes
- Reducing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms
- Treating opioid use disorder
- Relieving unmanageable pain, etc.
How Do You Sober Up Fast?
Another good thing about the use of CBD is that it lets you control the dose precisely. Whether you take a pill, a gummy, or a canned drink, these products come with a pre-defined dosage. Thus, you can control the intake of CBD to unwind while staying sober.
However, in case you get high, you should learn how to sober up fast. It doesn’t matter how careful or experienced you are; there are chances that you might accidentally or willingly get high sometimes. If you are a mom, learning how to sober up fast can help you get back to your daily chores on time.
According to Drink Delta, a high can last anywhere from one to six hours. You can try to change the scenery or distract yourself to get sober. Some other good options to try are hydrating and eating a lot. Hydration is fundamental in improving brain activity and maintaining your mental state. On the other hand, eating food can increase your metabolism and help you sober fast, as CBD is digested just like food.
Social Acceptance and Stigma
As cannabis becomes more mainstream, the stigma surrounding its use is diminishing. Public perception is shifting, with many people recognizing the plant’s potential benefits.
This change is particularly evident among mothers. They are finding support and community in online forums, social media groups, and local meetups. These platforms allow them to share their experiences, ask questions, and gain insights without fear of judgment.
It is also social groups that usually initiate someone to try things like CBD. A Frontiers study found that people often started consuming cannabis because their friends used it. Some other factors that influenced CBD consumption among adolescents were:
- Cannabis use in the neighborhood
- A feeling that they are not close to the school’s peers
- Had more friends outside the neighborhood
Parenting and Cannabis Use
For many mothers, the decision to use cannabis involves careful consideration of its impact on parenting. Unlike alcohol, which can impair judgment and coordination, cannabis in moderate doses is less likely to have such effects.
Many mothers report that cannabis helps them stay calm and patient, enhancing their ability to handle the daily challenges of parenting. This perceived benefit is a significant factor in the growing acceptance of cannabis use among mothers.
However, it is important to understand when its use is correct and when you should stop. For instance, cannabis use among pregnant women is increasing. However, it is not the correct time to use CBD when you are pregnant. It will impact not only your health but also that of your child.
It was discovered that children born to mothers who consumed cannabis while pregnant faced many health conditions. They were having trouble with their sleep cycle, memory issues, hyperactivity, higher chances of low birth weight, etc. Girls also had shorter nursing periods, higher rates of newborn mortality, and more aggressive behavior at the age of 18 months.
The transition from mommy wine culture to cannabis consumption among mothers marks a significant cultural shift. Driven by health concerns, changing perceptions, and the growing availability of cannabis, this trend reflects a broader movement towards healthier, more mindful living. As more mothers share their experiences, it is likely that this trend will continue to grow. It will reshape the way we think about motherhood and relaxation.
Jessi is the creative mind behind The Coffee Mom, a popular blog that combines parenting advice, travel tips, and a love for all things Disney. As a trusted Disney influencer and passionate storyteller, Jessi’s authentic insights and relatable content resonate with readers worldwide.