By Jessie Fillingim
Almost 17 years after Bill Clinton confessed his past marijuana use, Michael Phelps carried on a tradition of hypocritical excuses by apologizing for his “youthful” and “regrettable” behavior revealed by a viral photograph of the Olympic medalist smoking a water pipe.
At least Phelps realizes that there’s no use denying a toke or two. Marijuana’s widespread availability and relatively mild side effects makes it the recreational drug of choice for Americans of all backgrounds. Despite decades of anti-cannabis propaganda, more and more states are reforming marijuana laws in light of scientific evidence proving that marijuana does not have such negative long-term side effects as previously thought.
The drug is further legitimized by politicians’ confessions of past drug use. Admitted weed tasters include President Barack Obama, Sens. John Kerry and John Edwards, former Vice President Al Gore, and New York Gov. David Paterson. But while it’s acceptable to admit to past drug use, marijuana’s illegal status prevents current pot smokers from honestly admitting their cannabis use and defending the plant. The “youth excuse,” the popular claim by celebrities and politicians that their drug use was an impulsive result of college experimentation, gives a false perception of marijuana. Dismissing marijuana as simply a drug with which to experiment distracts from its actual prevalence. Every time a celebrity like Michael Phelps apologizes for drug use, marijuana becomes more taboo. Even worse, the hope of a nation where medical marijuana is available for individuals coping with pain becomes more remote.
Even though Phelps hit that bong like a pro, he attempted to play the incident off as a moment of weakness. This isn’t Phelps’ first moment of weakness: he used the same excuse when he arrested for driving under the influence at 19. Phelps clearly likes to party.
Admittedly, I can understand why Phelps would downplay his marijuana use. For every famous person who admits to frequent marijuana use, there is a famous person who has been arrested. Just ask Tommy Chong, who was arrested for selling marijuana pipes online. Or Craig X, the pastor of Temple 420, who preached that cannabis brings people closer to God. He was arrested for possession with intent to sell, an obvious consequence of tirelessly advocating marijuana.
Even with the risk of arrest for telling the truth and internet bloggers demanding accountability for the Olympic athlete’s actions, Phelps will not likely be punished for his marijuana use. On the other hand, people of low socioeconomic status are systematically oppressed by current United States drug policy. Drug offenders fill prisons, where they often make connections that lead them to commit more serious crimes. The consequences of Phelps’ drug use will likely be no more serious than the scorn of some conservative fans. But the lower class and those who dare to be honest about their marijuana use aren’t protected from irrational drug policy.
If you think the marijuana arrest epidemic is just in small towns and red states, think again. New York City is the marijuana arrest capital of the world. New York’s Rockefeller Drug Laws create mandatory minimum sentencing, stripping judges of discretion in deciding how much time a person should serve for a drug offence.
The truth is, everyone’s doing it. Presidents are smoking pot. Olympians are cashing the bowl. Pastors enjoy 4:20 prayer sessions. Obviously, the U.S. government can’t stop Americans from enjoying cannabis. Until U.S. drug policymakers admit they cannot stop marijuana use, current drug policy will continue to marginalize individuals of lower socioeconomic status and force marijuana advocates to hide behind hypocritical excuses.
Jessie Fillingim is a second-year law student. You may e-mail her at [email protected].
