Contributor: Aaron Michaels
Just because a state has decided to legalize recreational marijuana, doesn’t always mean that everyone can benefit from it. Sure, anyone that’s of legal age can enter a dispensary and procure whatever products they’d like. But for some, they won’t be able to go home and enjoy it. Which, to be quite honest, seems like one of the more oxymoronic aspects of proper legalization, if you ask me.
With public use being a major “no-no” with basically every single state that has allowed the use of recreational marijuana within their borders, that leaves only a person’s home or designated “smoke lounges” for them to partake in cannabis. As convenient as these “smoke lounges” may be for some, the majority of folks aren’t anywhere near a city that offers such a place. Also, one of the most alluring aspects of cannabis use is privacy. So, the mere thought of having to sit in a smoke-filled room full of red-eyed strangers, in order to fire up some newly legal bud, seems horrible.
That seems to be the case for folks in Illinois. Not everybody, mind you, just the people who are currently residing in public housing. Despite the upcoming legalization of recreational marijuana in Illinois, folks who find themselves in public housing will not be able to legally enjoy the many benefits that cannabis is famous for providing. To be frank, these people should be allowed to do that more than anybody.
Who made this decision, and (more importantly) why is this distinction being brought down on these financially-stricken people who are simply looking to peacefully unwind in the comfort of their own residence? Well, the short answer to that question is: The Chicago Housing Authority.
They, armed with the knowledge that legal, recreational marijuana use will become the “norm” come January 2020, have let it be known that they will not condone, nor allow, any of their residents to partake in cannabis of any kind anywhere on their premises. Which, personally, seems like it only increases the negative stigma surrounding marijuana. When in fact, with the passing of recreational marijuana use, it should start to be embraced more than ever – not shunned away. It all doesn’t make a whole lot of sense.
When you break it down, it all comes back to the federal government, and their criminal mis-categorization of cannabis as a Schedule One substance. For those unaware, this federal distinction of marijuana is what has held it back from nationwide legalization, and it’s all based on archaic frames of mind.
By incorrectly placing cannabis amongst actually lethal drugs like heroin, they are claiming (on a federal level) that cannabis is dangerous, possessing no medicinal qualities, and is abundantly illegal. Which means, even though it can be legalized on a state level, should any federal agent want to arrest or penalize someone, even if they live in a legal state, they are more than in their legal right to do so. Yes, that is as crazy as it sounds.
These public housing locations are technically federally funded, which means they fall under that very same, very moronic jurisdiction. The residents of these establishments were issued a letter warning them about this potential enforcement. While these are people who need the most help, they would be evicted from their property, should they be caught enjoying cannabis in any way, shape, or form.
A spokeswoman, Molly Sullivan, issued a public statement on the matter. In which, she said, “While federal law prohibits marijuana use and possession in federally subsidized housing, the [Chicago Housing Authority] is working to educate and inform residents so they understand all applicable laws related to cannabis and federally-funded housing.” Adding, “The CHA will work with the City of Chicago as it develops rules and regulations in accordance with existing state and federal laws in order to ensure a safe and responsible implementation of legalized cannabis in Chicago.”
I’m unsure as to whether or not the folks in charge of the CHA are in favor of the federal distinction of marijuana or not. The Federal Controlled Substances Act states that, “the use and/or possession of medical or recreational marijuana is considered illegal activity.” When asked if there was going to be any way to work around such a ruling, Sullivan commented, “Unless Congress decides something different…we don’t have an option.”
This sort of nonsense is infuriating, especially to folks across the country who have legally obtained a medical marijuana card. They need this very harmless medicine in order to live a more pain-free, comforting life. But, solely because they are in the lower level of income and need the help of public housing for shelter, they are still being penalized as if they lived in a state that didn’t legalize cannabis. Not for nothing, but this seems like a direct attack on poor people, and that sort of chicanery needs to stop – now.
We are not the only ones who think so. Bruce Margolin, an attorney and a “higher up” in the Los Angeles chapter of the cannabis-advocate community, NORML, didn’t mince words when speaking on just such a topic. During a recent interview with NPR, this subject was brought up and Margolin didn’t hold back his true feelings on the matter. Of which, Margolin said, “This is absolutely unequal and unfair protection of people. They are sick, they are old, and they are unable to travel. So where are they supposed to go?”
Our sentiments exactly. These are some of the most unfortunate folks in the country, and the fact that the federal government would target these honest citizens makes me sick. Luckily, we are not alone in sharing such a feeling of disgust. There are even some lawmakers who are working to “right the wrong” that is soon-to-be-implemented by the federal government in this regard.
Back in April, a local representative by the name of Eleanor Holmes Norton caught wind of this problem, and got to work immediately on trying to fix it. Which is why she created a potential piece of legislation that would ultimately allow marijuana use in public housing, known as the Federally Assisted Housing Parity Act of 2019. In which, she wrote, “Individuals living in federally funded housing should not fear eviction simply for treating their medical conditions or for seeking a substance legal in their state.”
Exactly! Just because the federal government is too stubborn to change their mind on marijuana, doesn’t mean they have to penalize anybody they can – from afar – who chooses to utilize cannabis as a medical aide in a legalized state. That’s the definition of cruel and unusual punishment, especially since marijuana is so harmless.
I understand not being able to partake in public or near schools. That makes sense. But for someone to not be allowed to enjoy cannabis in the comfort and solitude of their home, mainly because it’s part of a federally funded public housing establishment is absurd. They wouldn’t be hit with a fine or a ticket, they would straight-up lose their house. These people, obviously, are in dire need of shelter. If they weren’t they wouldn’t be in public housing. So, c’mon federal government, lighten up, will ya? Because these people have done nothing wrong, and they deserve to be left alone to enjoy their cannabis in peace.
