Arizona Moms Claim Marijuana Makes them Better Parents

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“Arizona Moms for Marijuana” is a new controversial organization in Phoenix that aims to educate people on aspects of the drug that members are claiming can actually make people better parents.

Chapter leader Victoria Nunez is the mother of a 22-month-old girl, and has put her marijuana-smoking habit on hold since her child was born in order to avoid being criminalized as a mother trying to medicate herself. Nunez began smoking marijuana recreationally at 19 years old, but after she was injured in a drunk driving accident she used the drug medically because the pain medication she was prescribed made her sick.

The state of Arizona currently classifies marijuana possession, sale, manufacture and trafficking as felonies. Penalties range from four months to 12.5 years of incarceration, and from $750 to $2,000 in fines. In November of 2010 just over half of Arizona voters approved a proposition that allows marijuana possession and use for patients who have written certification or “medical marijuana card,” from their physician. Nunez is waiting to get her medical card to begin using marijuana again.

Another member of the grassroots organization is Erica Johnson, the mother of three teenage girls. Johnson began using marijuana in conjunction with physical therapy after being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. She told reporters that it makes her a better mom, and has made her relationship with her children, who are aware of her use, more honest.

Members of Arizona Moms for Marijuana compare their drug use with other parents’ alcohol use, claiming that marijuana is far more innocent and a much safer option. However, psychotherapist DJ Diebold calls Nunez and Johnson’s claims “delusional.” Diebold specializes in addiction, and although he recognizes the drug’s pain-reducing aspects, he says that there is no better way to parent than in complete sobriety – from all drugs and alcohol. Studies have also shown that the frontal lobe, the area that controls decision-making, is one of the first areas attacked by even minimal use of marijuana.

The group is growing in popularity, and has reached 200 members across Arizona. With national and state laws differing in regards to marijuana the Phoenix criminal defense lawyers at Beresky & Fish P.C. encourage you to contact a local attorney specializing in drug charges if you are arrested for a marijuana related crime. Your local attorney will be able to help you through any troubles or charges you may be facing.