Controversy sparked in Florida this week as governor Jeb Bush, son of former President George H.W. Bush, admits to have smoked marijuana in high school, whilst also rejecting the use of medicinal marijuana, and has not supported the drug’s legalization.

As of January 25, 2014, 98,544 of inmates in America were incarcerated due to drug charges. 27.6% of that population were charged for possession of marijuana. Bush has allowed the police to send hundreds to prison, for the same crime he committed.

Although the story remains fairly untouched by the media, some have spoken out against Bush. Senator Rand Paul spoke about how he, as a privileged, white, wealthy high-schooler, didn’t have to face the consequences many Floridians face today. His hypocritical behavior has sparked an argument because many believe that his wealth and white skin kept him out of jail while other’s poverty and darker skin kept them in jail.

Bush’s argument follows along with the longstanding argument on the topic of medicinal marijuana. Many, like Jeb Bush, are opposed to allowing patients use the drug medically. Some opponents believe the drug would then be easier to get ahold of under false prescriptions, and some believe the effects of marijuana do not justify it as a medication, or even a pain reliever. There are, however, many who support the legalization of medicinal marijuana. Many see the effects of marijuana as a pain reliever for cancer patients and other people who have contracted deadly illnesses. Some supporters of medicinal marijuana also support the full legalization of recreational marijuana, as they believe taxing the drug could help benefit America’s economy.

The topic of marijuana legalization remains hot today, as many states have allowed the drug’s medicinal and in some cases recreational use, but many still have not. Bush’s opposition towards a drug he once avidly used could very well affect his possible 2016 presidential campaign.