The Privilege of Being a ‘Marijuana Mom’

The Privilege of Being a ‘Marijuana Mom’artificial insemination kit for humans

I’m a white suburban mother nearing forty, with three kids, three dogs, and a lovely picket fence. I also own a bong designed by Snoop Dogg that adds a trendy touch to my collection. While cannabis is illegal in my area, I manage to obtain it from friends who live in legal states. My husband and I are careful not to smoke around our children or when we’re the only parents present. We treat cannabis like a glass of wine—something to enjoy responsibly.

The reality is, I don’t fear social services knocking on my door. They have far more urgent matters than to intervene in the life of a healthy white mother who enjoys a few hits of marijuana each week. If I were ever confronted, I could easily navigate the legal system, thanks to a network of friends who are lawyers. It’s an unfortunate truth that my race affords me privileges that others do not have.

The Disparity for BIPOC Parents

For mothers of color, the situation is starkly different. If they live in a region where cannabis is illegal, they can’t indulge without the risk of severe consequences. BIPOC moms can’t openly share their experiences or enjoy a smoke after dinner without fearing that social services will invade their homes. While I might stress over a messy Play-Doh session, they worry about losing their children.

Statistics illustrate this disparity: in 2018, while white children accounted for about 50% of the population, they made up only 44% of those in foster care. In contrast, Black children, who represented 13.71% of the general population, comprised 22.75% of the foster care system. This systemic bias leads to BIPOC children being removed from parental care significantly more often than their white counterparts.

Consequences for BIPOC Women Who Use Cannabis

Consider the case of Jameelah, who had her newborn taken away simply for testing positive for marijuana at birth. She had not smoked in front of anyone, yet she was forced to attend drug rehab to keep her child. Similarly, Ms. D faced court actions when she admitted to using cannabis, even though it had never affected her parenting. The threat of losing her children loomed large, and she ultimately lost her job, putting her family at risk.

The ACLU reports that, despite similar usage rates, Black individuals are over three times more likely to be arrested for marijuana-related offenses than white individuals. In some areas, the disparity is even more pronounced, with Black individuals facing arrest rates significantly higher than their white counterparts.

The Privilege of Cannabis Use

When we discuss cannabis and the ease with which some can enjoy it, we must recognize the privilege embedded in those experiences. While I might feel comfortable smoking in my backyard, my BIPOC neighbors do not have that luxury. The show “Weeds” highlights this privilege through its storyline, where a white woman can operate a drug business without consequence.

In conclusion, while I take pride in being a “marijuana mom,” it’s essential to acknowledge the systemic privileges that allow me to do so without fear. The reality is that my BIPOC friends cannot share the same experiences without risking their families.

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