As
the legalization of pot slowly increases, so does its casual and positive
attention in the world of entertainment. Currently four
states and Washington D.C [1] allow recreational use, and with
this slackened stance on the illegality of weed, several comic
books [2] and TV
shows [3] have begun to reinforce the idea that smoking an
illegal joint is no big deal.
Young & Hungry (on the ironically named ABCFamily) is just the latest show on primetime television to encourage a glib attitude toward the law when it comes to pot. This show stars Emily Osment as Gabi Diamond, a food blogger who works for a tech expert, Josh (Jonathan Sadowski). In Wednesday night’s episode, Gabi is given the chance to write a foodie article for a San Francisco magazine thanks to the editor, Logan Rawlings (Ashley Tisdale). During the brainstorm session between Logan and Gabi concerning the topic of the article, Logan mishears one of Gabi’s suggestions and thinks she heard “pot cakes.”
“Pot edibles are so hot right now,” Logan says excitedly, and then assigns Gabi with the task of creating delicious recipes that include marijuana. While California has legalized marijuana for medical use, it is still illegal to use it for recreation within the state boarders. Gabi’s friend, Sofia (Aimee Carrero) therefore suggested that Gabi “fake an illness and get a canvas card.”
By the end of the episode, Gabi ended up sampling too many of her own recipes and she passed out. When she woke up, she cried out comically, “I missed my deadline cause I was stoned, ugh! This stuff should be illegal.” Of course this ironic statement didn’t stop two other characters this episode from also getting stoned.
No matter the issue, it is irresponsible for primetime television to promote a casual disrespect for existing laws. Even in a sitcom, blatantly illegal actions should be no joking matter.