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Plainsman1963

Letter: Marijuana penalties unfair
04-05-06 | KStatecollegian.Com | Robert Bruce Scott

Editor,

Your article on the two K-State undergraduate students charged with marijuana misdemeanors and felonies serves as a reminder that, in Kansas, possession of any amount of marijuana is punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of $2,500. A second conviction increases the penalty to 10-42 months and a fine of $100,000. Cultivation of five plants is a felony. Sale of any amount is a felony.

Compared to other felonies — aggravated assault, arson, burglary, murder and rape — there is something counter-intuitive about marijuana being included in the same category.

Considering the culture of alcohol consumption at K-State, it would be hypocritical for us to take a moral or legal position against a smaller portion of the community who prefer the marijuana high.

My mother was an active member of the Women’s Christian Temperance Union. I remember when restaurants in Kansas could not serve liquor, and when people went to other states to gamble. But Kansans have made their peace with such vices, leaving it up to each individual to determine his or her behavior.

Maybe it is time for Kansas legislators to rethink laws regarding private marijuana use. Meanwhile, if a young person makes a mistake with marijuana, perhaps there can be protective measures to handle the matter locally, with fines, community service and health education, not leaving their fate to be decided in the federal courts.

Robert Bruce Scott
Doctoral student in special education

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"America is at that awkward stage. It's too late to work within the system, but too early to shoot the bastards." - Claire Wolfe

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troublemaker_42

Hmmmm....doesn't he mean state or circut courts? I've never heard of any typical personal possession cases going to federal court

slangking

I think he's referring to the laws that govern specific cases, not the specific cases themselves.

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I took a bath this morning in six war speeches, and a sprinkle of peace. Looks like ever body is declaring war against the forces of force. That's what you get for building up a big war machine. It scares your neighbors into jumping on you, and then of course they them selves have to use force, so you are against their force, and they're aginst yours. Look like the ring has been drawed and the marbles are all in. The millionaires has throwed their silk hats and our last set of drawers in the ring. The fuse is lit and the cannon is set, and somebody is in for a frailin. - Woody Guthrie