LEELANAU COUNTY -- He’s known by many as the “pot-smoking judge”, but after treatment and a new career path, Tom Gilbert is trying to leave a different legacy.
Gilbert recalls the day that changed his life, "Half way through the concert I pulled a joint out of my pocket and lit up and smoked it."
The former 86th district judge shared his controversial past with teens at Saint Mary’s in Leelanau County on Thursday morning. In 2002, Gilbert smoked marijuana at a Rolling Stones Concert in Detroit. An Elk Rapids couple saw and told court officials. He was suspended by the Supreme Court for six months. Many residents in Northern Michigan were disappointed with his decision to return to the bench and finish his term.
Gilbert says “I did not realize what I was doing to criminal justice system, colleagues, my family and the community by continuing. I might have made a different decision today knowing what I know now."
Gilbert, who says dope isn’t his first drug of choice, is a recovering alcoholic. He no longer casts judgment on anyone even though he has the option to remain in the legal field. Instead, using his new master’s degree in addiction counseling, he flies around the country helping families conduct intervention for loved ones with drug addictions.
Students listening to Gilbert’s story say they appreciate his story and his honesty.
St. Mary’s 9th grader, Rachael Thon says “I am glad he came. It helped our health class. A lot of time you can only read about it in a book, but it really helped to hear a real story.”
Gilbert says "I decided I was going to try to help people. With my experience, I am uniquely qualified to help people with this disease."
