Why Are We Condemning Michael Phelps' Pot Use?

We Ought To Be Condemning The Illogical Laws That Brand Him A Criminal

Add decorated Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps to the growing list of successful Americans who happens to indulge in marijuana during his down time. The tabloid news story is making international headlines, though it's difficult to understand why.

After all, Mr. Phelps is hardly alone in his herbal inclinations. According to national and federal surveys, nearly one out of two Americans have tried weed, and among those age 18 to 25 -- Phelps is 23 -- pot smoking is especially popular.

Contrary to the messages promoted by the federal government, marijuana consumers include people from all walks of life, ethnic classes, and socio-economic backgrounds. America's current President said that he smoked marijuana regularly as a young man. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, former Vice President Al Gore, former Republican House Speaker Newt Gingrich, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, and legendary astronomer Carl Sagan all have admitted using marijuana at different times during their lives.

According to the U.S. government, some 70 percent of current marijuana users are gainfully employed. Statistically, most marijuana users are successful academically and financially. A National Bureau of Economic Research study even reported that marijuana use is associated with earning higher wages. Some former and current users, like Virgin tycoon Sir Richard Branson, Progressive Auto Insurance founder Peter Lewis, and New York State Mayor Michael Bloomberg are even multi-millionaires.

Perhaps the public's fascination with this story is because Phelps is recognized as one of the most talented and successful athletes in the entire world. (He holds the record for the most gold medals won by any athlete in history.) But Phelps isn't an anomaly in this regard either. Many top athletes use cannabis off the field -- noting that it helps them to relax after the excitement of sports competition and alleviate the pain from nagging injuries. It also won't leave them with a hangover or adversely impact their performance the next day.

A 2007 New York Times investigation estimated that up to 70 percent of pro-basketball players occasionally indulge in the use of pot, and many high profile football players -- most notably Miami Dolphins star running-back Ricky Williams, former Dallas Cowboys all-star Mark Stepnoski, and even Super Bowl XLIII MVP Santonio Holmes -- have spoken candidly about their off-field marijuana use. In fact, Phelps isn't even the first gold medalist to admit to smoking cannabis. That honor belongs to Canadian snowboarder and 1998 Winter Olympics gold medal winner Ross Rebagliati, who tested positive for having used cannabis in the days prior to his history-making performance.

Sure, there will be some who will say that this latest chapter in Phelp's life is deserving of criticism because the 14-time gold medalist is sending a poor message to young children. And what message would that be? That you can occasionally smoke marijuana and still be successful in life. Well sorry if the truth hurts.

Fact is, most Americans who use pot do so for the same reasons -- and in the same manner -- as do those who drink alcohol. According to a recent University of Alberta study, the majority of adults who use cannabis do so recreationally to "enhance relaxation." Researchers concluded: "[M]ost adult marijuana users regulate use to their recreational time and do not use compulsively. Rather, their use is purposely intended to enhance their leisure activities and manage the challenges and demands of living in contemporary modern society. Generally, participants reported using marijuana because it enhanced relaxation and concentration, making a broad range of leisure activities more enjoyable and pleasurable."

No doubt Michael Phelps indulged in the use of marijuana for these very same reasons. He ought not to be condemned for it nor branded a criminal for his actions.

For that matter, neither should anyone else.

Comments

[Aramarcal]

Pot should be legalized as far as I am concerned. It will def stimulate the economy ... A kid from Baltimore smokes pot- BFD!

[acidon]

Yeah Pot is a very potent and it's an illegal substance in US. Many things been said and many opinions exist about legalizing it or not?

As of right now its still an open , undecided question.
For those of you seeking for new spiritual experiences I would recommend a Legal Herbal Smoking of such herbs as Salvia, Kanna,

Wild Dagga, etc;)

More info on topic here: http://www.down-the-pipe.com/pages.php?pageid=2

[iralarry]

Fortunately and unfortunately, we are a nation guided by law, not by morality. Rule of law makes societies stable, progressive. Michael was caught, in a cowardly manner by some ass with a cell phone and in a moment of supposed dreams of a quick paycheck, submitted the pic. Michael's correct, his judgment was poor. Not by the fact that he toked on a bong, but that he did it with witnessed. This is the watered down version of Nazi collaboration in todays US society. This is his extermination - loss of sponsorship by a sugar dealing billion dollar high horse questionably morally guided business Goliath. Suspending him from the Olympic team was inevitable as they have a zero tolerance for use of illicit substances I am guessing. Now what? We all or the majority here stipulate our displeasure with current attitudes toward marijuana. I'm in agreement. Alcohol is the biggest danger amongst behavior altering legal substances. It will take concerted effort on the part of US Citizens to convince the house and senate then the president to ratify existing laws concerning marijuana. Is that support there? Obviously not since it has not gone the way of prohibition, women's right to vote, civil rights for blacks, etc. Hence for me, it is a small issue and until the repeal of this small and ridiculous law, Phelps will pay the price for his ignorance and trust. So be it. Sorry Michael, world-class athlete or not, you will sink on this one.

[mjstone323]

What really bugs me about this hullaballoo is that if it had been a picture of Michael Phelps knocking down a cold one, most everyone would be chuckling and congratulating him on knowing how to relax, happy he's enjoying his youth like any guy his age; even if it was a pic of him kind of drunk and sloppy, it wouldn't get anywhere near the attention this much-discussed pic of him inhaling a little THC-laden smoke has. And yet alcoholism is a serious problem in our country, while I have yet to hear of anyone's life being ruined over an occasional joint.
I am so sick of the pointless hue and cry over victimless crimes - considering what's going on in our country and our world, why is so much time being spent trying to penalize people for actions that harm no one? What the hell do I care if Michael Phelps smokes some pot at a party? He's not my brain surgeon, and I bet if he was he'd make sure not to get high the night before he's got a big job. Give the guy some credit - I think, considering the level of his athletic prowess, he knows how to take care of himself.

[Jie-xuan Yong]

Your article is noted.

The problem is not Michael Phelps smoking marijuana.
It's Michael Phelps the Olympian smoking marijuana.
Plus he's also got a lot of youthful fans.
It might send the wrong message.
The wrong message includes, smoking marijuana is cool or smoking marijuana will give you 8 gold medals/success.

[macrumpton]

Well, the truth is, at least some people can smoke pot and be world class athletes or even president of the USA (like our last 3 presidents have). The fact that the message is not what some people would like it to be does not make it any less true.

[MM216]

A LOT of people who came of age during the 70s and on have probably, at one time or another, have tried pot.
We're talking politicians, world leaders, clergy, law enforcement, teachers, medical professionals, athletes, etc......
And many did NOT become hard-core drug users.
IMO, many people who are condemning Phelps should take a good, LONG LOOK in the mirror and get a grip.
Like you didn't do stupid things in college or in your youth!? I did and, last I looked, I'm not on the FBI's "most wanted list" :D

[JDM73]

Michael Phelps is being condemned because America still isn't ready to grow the hell up. We love our boogeymen; we treasure our hysterical, outmoded drug laws; we enjoy gathering around our cozy suburban hearths in fear. If we didn't like it, we wouldn't keep doing it.
"Oh, won't someone please think of the children!"

[NorCalNative]

Mr. Armentano, I've been burning up the internet and my keyboard spreading a message I believe I got from you on your NORML site. That is, the silly hypocrisy of Title VII Office of National Drug Control Policy Reauthorization Act of 1998: H11225 with specific reference to #12 Responsibilities of the Director (also known as the Drug Czar) A) and B). In addition I've been telling those in need of a history lesson to research the name of Harry J. Anslinger.

It cannot be easy being an anti-Prohibitionist when the drug warriors have had so long to ply their trade and spread their propaganda. At what point does our right to liberty, freedom and the pursuit of happiness become a topic of discussion?

The government's public policy position based on lying is simply not a condition that should be allowed in a modern Democracy. Of course whether we still have Democracy will really depend on what Obama does about Bush's torture laws and war crimes. Bush morphed from President into "Constitutional Dictator" by grabbing each and every opportunity to push the unitary executive theory and thus change the fundamental role of democracy and the Presidency.

I only looked at the abstract of the study showing increased wages from youthful cannabis and cocaine use. If true, that's quite remarkable and comment worthy. Thanks for the work you do and good luck!

[AreYouSerious]

I do and don't agree. I do agree that pot should be legal, but the truth is that it is not legal now and he broke the law.

And how about his DUI when he was 19? If I broke the law for pot or a DUI I would most likely lose my job. I can't just throw out the argument "WELL POT SHOULD BE LEGAL!" because I don't like the law, if I agree with it or not.

[Lorenzoh]

Breaking bad laws is how they get changed. That is why Ghandi challenged the British with the Salt March. The laws are relics of the 1930s with no science or study connected to them and are in no way beneficial to American society. Legalize Now!

[strick9]

Don't overlook the culture of the DEA and law enforcement in general, this prohibition allows selective enforcement and control of those that exhibit dissenting opinions they might take issue with. Through a process of intimidation and reward they appropriate property and get convictions to justify their existence. Private prisons are big business and what better way to fill them than with non-violent pot smokers.

[Citizen54]

It also guarantees that -- and we've all heard this saying before -- cops have the best weed.

[AGarcia]

National referendum. Let's get it together... legalize and tax it.

[h0tr0d]

Amen....how bout this ? Legalize it, release the non-violent offenders (cost savings) and tax it (revenue). I can't think of a better time than now.

[nobozos]

When my 61 year old husband was dying from cancer, I held a thousand dollars of anti-nausea pills in one hand. Looking at my hand filled with a weeks worth of chemical drugs that didn't even work well, I sat down on the clinic steps and cried my eyes out.

Then I went home, called an old friend, and she gave me marijuana for a dying man who had never used it his whole life.

Here were the benefits:

1- Sudden improved appetite for a man who could hardly eat
2- Pain management
3- Ability to sleep through the night
4- Nausea reduction improvement three-fold
5- Acceptance of his coming death
6- My acceptance of his coming death

There is only one reason pot has a bad rap in America.....the power of the pharma lobby.

[Lorenzoh]

Thanks Nobozo! Send your comment as a email to your congress person, senators and the president, it's very compelling and meaningful.

[iralarry]

It is precisely this lobby who should be lobbying to reform the laws and cash in on this cow. It will be big Pharma old or new who will process it. Your logic escapes me.

[zer0ne]

"Process marijuana"? I don't think you fully understand the issue. Allow me to explain. Drug companies CANNOT profit from a naturally occuring plant, like cannabis. Drug companies make money from the sale of enginereed drugs like zoloft, viagra, prilosec, tylenol, etc. The last thing they want is competition from a plant that anyone can grow in their closets.

To sum things up: The legalization of marijuana would threaten drug companies' profits.

[RiinRio]

I think it's time to have national and regional referenda on the issue. How would we go about arranging it?

[Citizen54]

In November the good people of Massachusetts passed a ballot initiative to decriminalize marijuana.
Other states can do the same.

(Of course, now the wonderful "representatives" in the state house are looking at ways to repeal what the voters passed.) (Did someone say "democracy"?)

[ECBA88]

Good point, Citizen54. That's why we need a strong grassroots effort for large numbers of Massachusetts citizens to contact their state reps and tell them that we take our votes on these issues seriously.

[Paradym]

Finally, the link to this was fixed.

Thank you, Paul, for continuing the battle against Reefer Madness in your usual articulate and fact-filled way.

There are many topics that, despite all evidence to the contrary, there are people who still hold on to false and disproven ideas. And there are some topics where there is legitimate debate. Yet, there is no topic that is so forehead-smacking, argh-inducing, and mind-numbingly frustrating as cannabis prohibition, especially in a country supposedly founded on individual freedom. Even more brain-wrenchingly stupid is the prohibition of industrial hemp - I cannot fathom how this has been allowed to continue in this country. That there seems to be growing support for the end of prohibition as evidenced by the many cannabis-positive posts responding to any marijuana-related article and the many majority votes for cannabis laws throughout the country is heartening.