Thursday, July 14, 2005

Half Baked
A friend of mine asked about this. I'm bad at math, so I've provided some converters: g to oz, and oz to g. There are 16 ounces in a pound. According to the linked chart, it takes about two pounds before you can be charged with a felony. Half-a pound can get you 6-mos in jail. 3.5 oz (100 grams) can result in a misdemeanor. Possessing less than 3.5 oz is a civil citation, punishable by a 6-month driver's license suspension, and a fine. The citation does not generate a criminal record.

I was surprised to read that this state has decriminalized possession for use. Users who have been cited with misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia would probably disagree with that designation.

Addendum: The federal system has not decriminalized possession. First time offenders can expect a minimum fine of $1000 and up to one year in jail. There are several ways to end up in the federal system.

A recent article in my school newspaper reported that planners of a debate on legalizing marijuana easily found speakers who would argue in favor of legalization. They weren't, however, able to get a speaker to defend the opposite side.

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