There are many negative stereotypes against those who smoke marijuana. If you are a person of color who smokes marijuana, there are even more negative stereotypes against you. However, according to some moms who smoke marijuana, it makes them better parents. In a recent Today Show article, Kaycee Bawdon who runs the blog, " The Cannavist Mom" claims that smoking weed has improved the productivity of herself and other moms. The article immediately received backlash as it seemed as though the moms were being praised for smoking weed while others were being arrested for possession of weed. The difference between the treatment of these moms versus others who smoke weed demonstrates the double standard that is present. People of color have to suffer consequences of smoking marijuana while others enjoy the privileges they are granted. This double standard shows how race plays a major role in determining who is a criminal.

In response to the article, one Twitter user stated that Philando Castile, a victim of police brutality, was accused of being a careless parent because he smoked weed and thus his murder was justified. In the case of Trayvon Martin, a young black man murdered by a white man, the judge allowed the defense to use the amount of marijuana found in Martin's system as evidence. However, the prosecutors accused them of trying to use this evidence to paint Martin with negative characteristics.

According to the ACLU, marijuana use among blacks and whites is nearly equal, yet blacks are almost four times as likely as whites to be arrested for possession of marijuana. There is clearly a prejudice against blacks who use marijuana and is sometimes used as incriminating evidence. It is even more disturbing when others try to incriminate the deceased based on the use of drugs. Even though it is used among the masses, only one particular group receives punishment. Castile was considered a bad parent because he allegedly used it, while white moms from California use it to be better parents.

Members of Kaycee Bawdon's marijuana moms were defensive of their weed usage but they did not realize understand the backlash. People were upset that they were flexing their white privilege; meanwhile, others are trying to get out of jail over marijuana possession charges. While they are claiming to use to be more productive parents, black men are locked up and cannot raise their kids.

A 2016 New York Times article reported that there were more arrests for marijuana possession than for violent crimes. They also reported that Dianne Jones, a black woman arrested for marijuana possession, had to spend 10 days in jail because she could not afford to post bail. Marijuana possession is a nonviolent crime, but people of color are still facing significant jail time for it. Although it is legal in some states, people of color seem to be committing a crime for possessing weed. The marijuana moms need to comprehend that enjoying their freedom to smoke weed has come at a cost for others who smoke weed.

The only real difference between the marijuana moms and criminals charged with marijuana possession is the color of their skin. The former are privileged while others are not. They can smoke while taking care of their kids, while others are in jail hoping to see their kids again. While they smoke at home, a black man is awaiting trial to go home.