A wave of backlash pointing out the disparity between Black Americans being arrested for using marijuana while a group of California mothers is celebrated has caused one woman to fight back.
The middle-aged suburban mothers told the “Today Show” Tuesday, Aug. 1 that health issues like migraines and depression are the reason they turned to weed and it has allowed them to be more productive. They said they made sure their children don’t come in contact with their stash, which it is legal to consume recreationally in California, yet many are calling out the group for being able to freely smoke while The New York Times reported in 2010 that Black Americans are four times more likely to be arrested for possession.
As a result, one mother by the name of K. Sterling who says she’s part of the group has gone on the defensive.
https://twitter.com/islove_god/status/892883028908888065
https://twitter.com/islove_god/status/892884907457957890
I thought we were?
— Bundtmaster Flex (@_KSterling_) August 2, 2017
You might start at the top of the thread.
— Bundtmaster Flex (@_KSterling_) August 2, 2017
Other criticisms were just as fierce.
If they were black mothers I wonder if it they would still get a cute name like marijuana moms pic.twitter.com/SWocZu1i5D
— babymonster (@CuteGhoulFriend) August 1, 2017
And if you’re black and smoke marijuana you’re judged even more and criminalized. But, go moms I guess.
— Bri Alexis (@HunniB_Rose) August 1, 2017
lol right? alll these black men in jail for smoking or having weed on them.. cant raise or be around they’re children because of a PLANT?
— Cool Melo 🇬🇭 (@DieRichMELO) August 1, 2017
https://twitter.com/_perezz1647/status/892480446046629888
So instead of jail time, “marijuana moms” get interviews. Turn up. #Merica
— JaeOfficial (@iamjaeofficial) August 1, 2017
Several people recalled how weed was connected to last year’s killing of Philando Castile, when a Minnesota cop shot the school cafeteria worker after he reached for his license and gun registration. Officer Jeronimo Yanez’s attorney argued in closing arguments that the shooting was reasonable and claimed Castile had been smoking and was high when Yanez stopped him for a broken brake light.
I remember when #PhilandoCastile ‘s murderer walked free bc Philando smoking pot meant he cared nothing for his daughter’s or cop’s life
— Boo Radley (@BooRadleyHere) August 1, 2017
UM didn’t philando castile’s murder use him smoking weed making him a bad parent as an excuse to murder him?
— Fefe Osarogiagbon❤ (@IfuekoNadine) August 1, 2017
https://twitter.com/lpolgreen/status/892563071574691840
