I feel like we often talk about how the justice system fails in regards to cannabis. To be fair, quite often, the justice system is a lit match on a gas soaked mattress. Recently, however, the legal system in Michigan is where the legal system actually came through for one medical marijuana couple. I should say rather, finally there is an example of the justice system making right on one of their failings.

In mid September, Steve and Maria Green (what a fitting last name!) had their infant daughter, Bree, taken from their home and carted off to foster care. The “crime” for which the Greens stood accused was “exposing Bree to marijuana.” Not only is that a vague and flimsy claim, but it’s asinine to think that any medical cannabis patient out there is blowing smoke into an infants face. I think that the scare tactic propaganda machine must really get their information from anti-meth organizations and just assume that pot is the same because the DEA says so. What exactly does exposure mean? If a parent buys a six-pack of beer and drives it home, unopened, in the same car as an infant in a car seat, is that parent guilty of “exposing” their child to alcohol?

Steve and Maria suffer from epilepsy and multiple sclerosis, respectively. Cannabis is the only thing that has ever helped them and both are state authorized patients. The Greens were also accused with manufacturing marijuana which carries a 4 year sentence.

In a move that brought a smile to my face, four attorneys donated their services to fight this injustice. Just last week, a county probate judge voiced his doubts about the allegations of Child Protective Services and social workers. In a special hearing held last Friday, the judge let Baby Bree go home with her parents with the stipulation that the Greens don’t medicate around Bree and let the baby get an occasional mouth swab to test for cannabis. Considering the Greens had never really exposed their daughter to cannabis, they were overjoyed to be given permission to bring their little girl home.

Granted, this is like starting a fire then acting like a hero for putting it out, but it is nice to see the legal system get one right for a change. However, the battle to protect the parental rights of patients is far from over. The cannabis community must continue to band together and amplify our voices. We must shine a spotlight on the unwarranted stigma & persecution that prohibitionists try to place on parents that are responsible cannabis users, especially in states where it’s legal.