Since it is Mother’s Day today, I thought it would be fitting to write an article about the growing number of ‘marijuana moms’ in America. There were numerous articles last week stating that ‘Pot activists’ are ‘enlisting moms’ for legalization efforts. I personally don’t think that pot activists are necessarily enlisting moms for legalization efforts; I think that pot activists ARE MOMS that believe in legalization! Certainly not EVERY MOM is for legalization. However, I know my mother has long been an advocate of marijuana reform in America, and she is not alone.
I remember when the Marie Claire article hit describing professional women who smoked marijuana as ‘stiletto stoners.’ For some reason, the media was obsessed with this issue for a day or two after the article hit; Matt Lauer of the Today Show even did a story on it. But to American marijuana consumers of both genders, the Marie Claire article only stated what we already knew — women like to consume marijuana too. Women are wrongly arrested and harassed by law enforcement in the same fashion that men are, so it is only natural that they would want to affect the democratic process to make a positive change.
Mother’s are especially passionate when it comes to this issue, as they do not want their children to grow up in a nation that tells them they can take pain pills, smoke cigarettes, and consume alcohol, yet will have to do jail time for a plant that has extensive medicinal value. I do not have children, but I know if I did, I would much rather have tax dollars go toward schools, teachers, educational scholarships, etc. rather than have those same tax dollars be wasted on pointless marijuana investigations and prosecutions.
As the midterm election year heats up, ‘marijuana moms’ are at the forefront of political efforts across the country. The NORML Women’s Alliance has been fighting for the following positions:
1. The NORML Women’s Alliance believes that the fiscal priorities of marijuana prohibition are wasting billions of dollars on a failed policy.
2. The NORML Women’s Alliance believes that marijuana prohibition violates states’ rights, and improperly expands the reach of government into the families and personal lives of otherwise law-abiding citizens.
3. The NORML Women’s Alliance advocates for an open, honest conversation about marijuana with America’s youth that is void of all propaganda and misleading information.
4. The NORML Women’s Alliance endorses the science-based evidence regarding the therapeutic applications of medical marijuana as well as the continuation of research into the subject.
5. The NORML Women’s Alliance strongly opposes the sexual exploitation and objectification of women in pot-culture and business marketing.
Another great organization is Mom’s for Marijuana. Although there is no ‘official’ membership, the organization is still doing great work in facilitating a constructive conversation. Here is an excerpt from their website:
Moms for Marijuana is a grass roots network of parents and other citizens across the world who are concerned with the ignorant war that continues to be fought against the Cannabis plant, and how it is negatively affecting the future generations of this earth. We focus on strengthening awareness, promoting education and creating discussion regarding the plant species Cannabis.
Core beliefs include:
1. That our governments and corporations should research and utilize all the potential benefits of this plant; and make locally grown Cannabis products available to the public so that we may have the choice in using a natural and less harmful alternative to the products we currently purchase.
2. That, as with all drugs, Marijuana should NOT BE USED by developing minds under the age of legal consent without parental guidance, as well the recommendation and continuous evaluation by a licensed medical physician.
3. That our children should be educated on all aspects of Cannabis; from the thousands of medical, industrial, agricultural, environmental and economic benefits to the repercussions, risks and history associated with the Cannabis plant.
Whether you are a mom, a man, a woman, a college student, smell bad, jump high, can’t type, or WHATEVER, stay active and affect the political process! That’s what America is all about, and it’s the ONLY way that we will get legalization to become a reality! Happy Mother’s Day!!
