My Journey with Hyperemesis Gravidarum: How Cannabis Gave Me Relief When Nothing Else Could

Hey Mama,
I want to get personal with you for a moment. This story is from my heart, and it’s one of the biggest reasons why I started CannaMommy. If you’re here because you’re going through hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) or just trying to survive the severe nausea that can come with pregnancy, I’m right here with you. HG can be an isolating, overwhelming experience that feels like it will never end. I know that because I lived it.
During my second pregnancy, I was hit with HG, a relentless nausea that left me barely able to eat or even drink water. The dehydration and malnutrition were real threats to my health and my baby’s. But what hurt the most wasn’t just the physical toll; it was realizing that even as a medical cannabis patient, the support system I thought I had in Humboldt County, the so-called heart of cannabis country, was nowhere to be found.

When Nothing Else Worked: My Introduction to Hyperemesis Gravidarum

I had known morning sickness during my first pregnancy, but HG was something else entirely. It was all-consuming. I remember being barely able to lift my head off the pillow some days. Even the smallest smell would send me running to the bathroom. I tried everything I could get my hands on: ginger, peppermint, small meals, rest—nothing was enough. My doctors prescribed me anti-nausea medications, but the side effects and the risks to my baby made me feel uneasy. As a mom, every choice feels like it holds the world’s weight, and nothing I tried gave me lasting relief.
I knew that cannabis had been used historically for severe nausea and had already been using it for general wellness, so I thought, “Maybe this is my answer.” I was a registered medical cannabis patient and had seen its benefits in managing my health before. But when it came to my pregnancy, I was met with a wall of resistance, even in Humboldt County—one of the most cannabis-friendly places in the world.

The Struggle to Access Safe, Reliable Relief

Humboldt County has always been a unique place, known for its legacy of cannabis cultivation and community of people who believe in plant-based healing. So, as a pregnant medical cannabis patient, I thought I’d find support here. But in 2015, cannabis was still under California’s Prop 215, which legalized medical use but hadn’t fully integrated cannabis into a legal framework like we have today. Despite being a patient with legitimate needs, I encountered stigma and outright refusal of service.
I remember walking into dispensaries, hoping for some compassionate understanding, only to be turned away. One dispensary outright refused to serve me, telling me that cannabis was “too risky” for pregnant women. My stomach was in knots, and I was exhausted, malnourished, and scared for my baby’s health. The irony was painful—here I was, a mother in need, standing in Humboldt County, the place where people were supposedly open-minded about cannabis, and I was being shut out because I was pregnant.
That experience lit a fire inside me. I was already passionate about cannabis and its benefits, but being denied help when I needed it the most opened my eyes to how isolated other mothers must feel. I knew then that I wanted to create a place where mothers could access support without judgment—a place that would honor their need for safe, natural choices and give them the community that was so painfully lacking in my own experience.

Finding Relief with Cannabis: The Turning Point in My HG Journey

Eventually, I was able to find a way to incorporate cannabis into my daily routine, using micro-doses of CBD and small amounts of THC to manage my nausea. The relief was almost instant, and for the first time in weeks, I could keep down water, crackers, and small meals.
Cannabis didn’t make the HG disappear, but it allowed me to function, to feel somewhat human again, and to take care of myself and my baby. This plant gave me something that pharmaceuticals couldn’t: a natural, gentle relief that felt safe and aligned with my own intuition.
With cannabis, I could feel my body and my baby working together instead of against each other. I could finally listen to my body’s signals, rest when I needed to, and nourish myself in small ways that made a world of difference.

The Birth of CannaMommy: Building a Community of Support and Safe Access

That painful experience in Humboldt County was the seed that eventually grew into CannaMommy. I knew that if I had struggled so deeply to find compassionate care as a medical cannabis patient, there were countless other mothers out there in the same boat, feeling judged and unsupported in their quest for safe, natural relief.
I wanted to create a place where mothers could access not only cannabis but also a community of knowledgeable, non-judgmental support. I knew that my experience wasn’t unique, and I wanted to bridge the gap between cannabis, motherhood, and healthcare. So, I poured my heart into founding CannaMommy.org, a space where mothers could finally access the help they need.
One of the proudest aspects of our journey is our partnership with Leafwell, which helps mothers across the country access medical cannabis recommendations from caring professionals. Through our virtual clinic at CannaMommy, we connect mothers with registered nurses who understand the nuances of cannabis and pregnancy. We’re here to provide that safe, supportive space I couldn’t find back in 2015.

To the Mothers Going Through HG: You Are Not Alone

If you’re battling HG right now, please know that you’re not alone. This journey is challenging beyond words, and every day might feel like a mountain to climb. But there are options, and there is a community here to support you. At CannaMommy, we believe in empowering mothers with safe, natural options like cannabis, when it feels right, alongside other gentle remedies.
We’ve got your back, whether you’re looking for information on how to integrate cannabis safely, explore other herbal options, or simply need someone who understands the journey you’re on.
We’re here because I’ve been there—I know the isolation and the fear, but I also know the power of community and the relief that cannabis can bring.
Thank you for being part of this movement, for trusting in natural, plant-based choices, and for standing up for yourself and your family. Together, we’re creating a future where mothers no longer have to choose between judgment and relief. We’re creating a world where we can safely and freely care for ourselves and our babies in a way that feels right.
If you’re ready to learn more, find support, or get connected with our virtual clinic, visit us at CannaMommy.org. And if you’re looking for compassionate, understanding professionals, check out our partners at Leafwell to get started on finding the relief you deserve.
From one mother to another, stay strong, stay empowered, and trust in yourself. You’ve got this.