Women open up about the role cannabis plays in their lives — and how they’re pushing back against the stigmas. (Getty Images)

Photo: Getty Images

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Women smoke weed. That shouldn’t be a surprise, but for many it is — likely because the stereotype of the weed smoker is a stoner bro, not a mom or a young professional or a grandmother. But, according to research out of the University of Michigan, American women are consuming weed in record numbers. In fact, the University of Michigan’s Monitoring the Future survey found that in 2023, American women between the ages of 19 and 30 are consuming more cannabis than men for the first time since the survey began in 1975. In recent years, marijuana use has also risen dramatically in the over-65 set.

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At present, weed is legal in 39 states for medicinal use and 24 states for recreational use. And the reality is, cannabis is used in all kinds of ways by all kinds of people, both recreationally and medicinally. Ahead of “the unofficial weed holiday,” April 20 (aka 420 or 4/20), Yahoo Life spoke to women of different ages and walks of life to hear about what cannabis use means for them.

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Ali Bianco, 25, New Jersey, smokes over an ounce a week

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My relationship with weed is loyal and comforting. I fell in love with the plant the summer before high school, and I’m blessed to have found a plant that can ease my stresses, my cycles and especially my PTSD. I’ve always been open about smoking, which is why I’ve been arrested all the times I have for cannabis.

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I live in New Jersey, where cannabis is now legal, and can smoke up to (and sometimes over) an ounce a week, depending on my stress levels. I’m also the CEO of cannabis company Pinks Products. We have a line of products that emulate a light, fun, girly-pop vibe. I am loud and proud about cannabis because I think the world should be. The change is now.

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Kimberlee Kesterson, 31, Missouri, co-founded a weed club for moms

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I’m a 31-year-old, ADHD, overstimulated mom of four (including twins) and I’m constantly in go-go-go mode. Cannabis helps me pause, slow down and breathe. I only buy products that have clear and accessible lab testing. For me, it’s important to know where my cannabis comes from, what the terpene profile looks like and that it’s passed all safety testing. Cannabis should be used as a tool, not a crutch.

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I co-founded STL Cannamoms, a community for moms, but it’s become so much more than a cannabis-positive space — it’s a sisterhood. We show up for each other, whether it’s at the hospital when someone gives birth, cleaning a mom’s house after a loss or a newborn or helping someone get out of a domestic violence situation. We come from all different walks of life, but cannabis brought us together. We’re part of a nationwide movement to end the stigma that using cannabis makes you a bad mom — because it doesn’t.

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It makes the hour or two before bed completely magical … or at least a bit calmer.Alexa, 35

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Alexa Oliphant, 35, California, consumes edibles before bed

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I work for Grasslands, a public relations firm that works with many cannabis clients, so in some respects, cannabis is literally my life. Generally speaking, I’m more inclined to choose other cannabis consumption methods over smoking. I’m more of an edible-before-bed or a vape-hit kind of a girl in terms of my routine. Smoking is a wholly different experience, though … and a special one at that. There’s just a different tingly joy I get from a few puffs of weed.

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I almost exclusively consume cannabis in the evening. For me, it’s the perfect treat when the work is done, the chores are complete, I’ve gone for a run and am ready to wind down for the night. It makes the hour or two before bed completely magical … or at least a bit calmer.

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Dr. Troy Alexander-El, 38, Oregon, helps patients access cannabis

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I came out of the closet with my cannabis use in 2018 and by doing so have had the ability to educate myself and others about the medicinal and recreational benefits of the plant when consuming safely and responsibly. In 2018, I started Higher Level Healthcare and began practicing as a cannabis physician and certifying people to get medical cannabis cards in Illinois. As a result of starting my business, I have helped over 800 patients get safe access to medical cannabis. I have family members that were against cannabis who started smoking for help with sleep, menopause, anxiety and depression. There is still a lot of work to do to change the stigma around cannabis, and I am grateful to be part of the change.

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Janie, 43, New Jersey, smokes to control anxiety

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I started smoking as a teen because I thought it was cool, and a middle finger to both a very religious family and the “controlling government.” As I got older and was diagnosed with severe anxiety, I realized the only times I felt calm or normal were when I smoked. Now I use it to keep anxiety and stress down, and panic attacks at bay. I smoke pretty much daily, but don’t start until after 5 p.m. during the week. I never feel tempted to smoke outside of my personally designated hours. Everyone in my life (outside of work) knows that I smoke. I’m not ashamed anymore, but I keep it out of the office, the same as I would with religion or politics.

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Autumn Shelton, 44, California, uses cannabis topicals daily

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I co-founded a cannabis company, Autumn Brands. I love this incredible plant. I use cannabis topicals daily. Due to an immune disorder in my esophagus, I have switched to cannabis gummies or elixirs. However, I am currently taking one year off from all intoxicants to just enjoy my authentic self.

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I believe smoking or consuming weed in moderation is a virtue and helps regulate our bodies through our endocannabinoid system. However, when cannabis is consumed all day every day or in highly concentrated products, it becomes a vice. Everything in moderation.

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I started smoking as a teen because I thought it was cool.Janie, 43

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Rebekah, 46, Washington, her kids don’t know she smokes

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I’ve been smoking weed casually since I was 13. It’s legal here in Washington, and I just use it recreationally, so it doesn’t seem like a big deal at all. Although I do keep it away from my 11- and 13-year-old kids, as I’d rather they wait as long as possible to explore anything mind-altering.

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I tend to smoke weed or eat an edible a couple times a week — sometimes when I’m hanging out at home, listening to music and doing art, sometimes when I’m going out with friends. It makes me more relaxed, creative and silly!

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Anya Cravitz, 46, California, considers cannabis a human right

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Cannabis is part of my daily life. I smoke in the morning before I get my day started and in the evening before dinner. I consider cannabis to be a basic human right. Our bodies need this medicine and this plant. Cannabis has been used in various ways since humans started walking the earth. It is the only plant that can feed us, heal us, give us clothing, a roof over our head and clean our soil. I have been studying this plant for nearly 10 years and have come across all kinds of varieties, and this plant amazes me every time with its magical powers.

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Jill, 53, New Jersey, owns a CBD boutique

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I have a love affair with cannabis. In addition to my boutique, Elevated by the CannaBoss Lady, I devote a large part of my time as an entrepreneur and cannabis expert to educating my clients on the benefits of cannabis. I host local events to discuss how cannabis can support women in menopause.

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To be totally honest, cannabis saved my life. It healed my anxiety and debilitating stomach aches caused by an abusive childhood. I struggled with severe anxiety and panic attacks, and I discovered relief through cannabis — despite doctors finding nothing wrong with me. This experience motivated me to become a certified consultant and brand ambassador for CBD brands. In 2020, I established TheCannaBossLady Wellness Boutique, and in 2023, I opened a licensed dispensary, both being the first independent, woman-owned cannabis storefronts in Maplewood Village and Essex County, N.J.

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I also love cooking, and it’d be a sin not to be stoned for those meals.Catherine, 78

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Roberta W., 64, California, wants to destigmatize cannabis

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I started using cannabis more regularly when I got into the business. I now help run the cannabis company Dr. Norm’s. I am a proud, flag-waving, stigma-busting, cannabis user and try to make that known to all. It’s important for someone my age to help break down the fears that people have about using the product.

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I smoke or eat cannabis for two primary reasons. One, recreationally: I love a good sativa and smoking with friends and laughing so hard. Two, medically: I use cannabis to help with the uncomfortable (and inevitable) symptoms of aging. It is amazing how much it helps with the suffering from daily aches and pains, severe migraines stemming from hormonal changes and uncomfortable, sleepless nights.

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Catherine Hiller, 78, New York, smokes twice a day

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My first husband was a smoker. I got married at 23 and he and I would smoke together. I’ve smoked consistently since, except for during my pregnancies.

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I came out as a smoker in the most extravagant way possible. The first chapter of my book, a memoir about smoking called Just Say Yes, was published in the New York Times. Most people in my life really didn’t know I was a smoker before then. But I love to smoke; it enhances almost anything that’s good. Smoking is particularly useful for me as a writer — it gives me that cocoon-like confidence — so I smoke before I sit down to write at about 3 in the afternoon or so. I also love cooking, and it’d be a sin not to be stoned for those meals. So I always smoke before dinner because it’s going to make the food taste even better!