Spring Break
Stick this in your pipe and smoke it
ERNEST DUNLAP
ARBITER JOURNALIST
Issue date: 9/29/08 Section: Opinion
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"I figured after the loss everyone would want a little pick-me-up," the seller said when asked why he was selling in full public view.
The culture in Eugene and Springfield, Ore. is certainly different than in Idaho. Not because marijuana is legal in Oregon, but rather because it's decriminalized.
Oregon doesn't deal with marijuana, like other illicit drugs such as cocaine or amphetamines, by handing out large fines and prison time for simple possession. According to law.findlaw.com, Oregon has no jail time and a fine of $500-$1,000 for possession of up to 1 ounce of marijuana.
Currently Idaho has rather harsh statutes concerning marijuana. Simple possession of less than 3 ounces lands you up to one year in prison, up to a $1,000 fine or some combination of the two. The threat of jail-time is what really separates the two states. Imagine if drinking underage landed you in jail for five months and a $600 fine instead of only a fine of up to $1,000.
According to the Drug Enforcement Agency, marijuana is illegal because it provides no medical benefits, reduces the user's capacity to learn and impairs driving.
I don't know if anyone has told the DEA this, but there is a legal drug that we can all get our hands on quite easily that does all of those things: alcohol.
When questioned about the apparent double standard, most students I asked couldn't think of a reason why marijuana is illegal and alcohol is not.
One student, Sarah Posey, was quick to answer when she said, "If marijuana is illegal, tobacco should be too."
Several respondents also noted that people who drink are more prone to arguments and fighting, while marijuana users are more quiet and reserved.
With no real consensus as to why marijuana should be illegal while alcohol isn't, I decided to ask criminal justice professor David Mueller his opinion on the subject. Mueller was quick to mention that the number of violent crimes committed by alcohol users is far greater than the number committed by marijuana users.
During our conversation, Mueller pointed out that legalizing marijuana was not possible because it is a federal law that makes marijuana illegal and removing that law isn't politically feasible right now.
However, in regards to the state level, Mueller said, "decriminalization for simple possession of marijuana is a viable option."
With regards to the potential medical properties of marijuana Mueller said, "the unregulated sale of marijuana is not safe because you can't always know the potency or content of street drugs."
If it were decriminalized it would open the door to medical use, which could be standardized for patients, ensuring safety and quality.
Recreational users above the age of 18 should be held responsible for breaking the law.
But if the law is just plain silly, the least we can do is urge our state lawmakers to reduce the punishment for simple possession of marijuana so that it does not include jail time.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
Josh Gamble
posted 9/29/08 @ 2:43 PM MST
This is a really well written editorial. I like the andectotal lead. Personally, I think marijuana should be at least decriminalized, if not legalized and regulated. (Continued…)
PSYOP
posted 10/01/08 @ 2:06 PM MST
Very well-written article! I know some people (namely those inside the beltway) think that now is not a politically feasible move. I must tell you, I am way past the point of caring what's good for politicians! Our bailout mess demonstrates just how far behind citizens our politicians are. (Continued…)
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