Though it won’t be on the same epic scale as a Jackie Robinson or a Muhammad Ali, who sacrificed considerable parts of themselves to bear necessary torches, Lincecum’s contribution will stand as part of another movement.

As Lincecum and Phelps and others combine achievement with responsible self-medication — and consistency is crucial — minds will continue to open and pot will soon become a natural alternative to so many prescription drugs whose long-term effects remain questionable.