The Mindful Mug

When I took over the café, one of the first things I decided was to keep the CBD element the previous owner had introduced. At first, it wasn’t because I knew loads about it—I didn’t. But I had my own history with the plant, and that journey is what made me want to keep it as part of The Mindful Mug.

Up until I stumbled across the café, I was smoking cannabis morning, noon, and night. I didn’t want to be that version of me anymore. I wanted out—but quitting isn’t as simple as just stopping. I started with some medium-strength CBD gummies and gradually cut down. It helped that my supplier dropped off the radar at the same time (divine timing?), and I chose not to chase another.

I’ve said this before, and I’ll say it again—weed served its purpose. It helped me survive my 20s without completely unravelling. I was carrying a lot: PTSD, trauma from my childhood, the release of someone who hurt me, the loss of my mum, the pandemic, the demands of uni, and raising kids all while trying to hold it together. Weed numbed the pain just enough to get me through. But deep down, I knew I wasn’t thriving—I was just surviving.

Now, I’m almost 30. I officially stopped smoking on the 2nd of January. I’ve slipped up a couple of times since then, but I haven’t gone back. And honestly? It was tough. The night sweats were brutal. The dreams were vivid and left me feeling disoriented. But I kept going. I threw myself into my business plan, took online courses, stayed busy—and I started to notice the difference. I was thinking clearly again. I could communicate properly. I woke up feeling good. That was new.

Sometimes I wonder—if I hadn’t smoked during uni, would my grades have been better? Maybe. But also, maybe I wouldn’t have made it through at all. Antidepressants never worked for me. Now I know why—turns out I have ADHD. Weed was my coping tool. It served a purpose. But I’ve outgrown it.

Now I swear by CBD oil. I use The National Hemp Service—it’s fully traceable, good quality, and clean. I know exactly what I’m putting into my body. And I feel the difference. With weed, I was functioning at about 70%—just enough to get by. With CBD? I’m pushing 90%, easy. I’ve still got work to do—my diet and nutrition could use a tune-up—but this is the best I’ve felt in years.

This blog is part of my healing. I want to share what I’ve learned, what I’m learning, and hopefully help you learn something too. Whether you’re curious about CBD, struggling with mental health, or just trying to get through life—know you’re not alone. This is a space for real talk, shared stories, and small wins.

Here’s to growing through what we go through.