Lawmakers considering decreasing marijuana penalty
The Assocaited Press reports today:
Civil liberties groups, medical marijuana supporters and a smattering of music festival-goers may have reason to rejoice: The Legislature is considering a proposal that would effectively decriminalize possession of small amounts of marijuana.
A bill proposed by Sen. Jeanne Kohl-Welles, D-Seattle, would reduce the penalty for possessing marijuana in quantities of 1.4 ounces or less to a civil infraction carrying a $100 fine.
“Marijuana has been demonized and has been demonized in such an overboard manner,” Kohl-Welles said Tuesday.
Currently, possession of small amounts of the leafy drug is a misdemeanor offense, warranting arrest and carrying the possibility of punishment with fines and jail time.
If Kohl-Welles’ bill is approved, possession of marijuana would no longer be an offense subject to arrest. However, teenagers younger than 18 would still be subject to current law.
Civil liberties groups support the measure, saying law enforcement officers should focus on more serious crimes.
Possession of marijuana should not be subject to arrest, and law enforcement should focus on more serious crimes taking place in our cities.
Kohl-Welles said she has friends and family who have been seriously ill that have used the marijuana to ease suffering and rekindle appetites.
Washington has a medical marijuana law on the books, but Kohl-Welles said she thinks her bill could give medical marijuana users more protection from possible arrest.
Lawmakers at a hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee seemed confused over how great of a quantity 1.4 ounces of marijuana is.
“We’re talking dried stuff?” questioned Sen. Mike Carrell, R-Lakewood.
A man at the back of the hearing room used his hands to demonstrate the size of the quantity — about the size of a can of soda.
Americans should be allowed to possess at least 71 ounces of medical grade marijuana. This is equivalent to a three month supply of medicine, which is quite normal for people who need certain and specific types of medicine for their specific medical needs.
Most people who use medical marijuana do so not by “smoking the plant,” which can be bad for cancer patients, but by either using a vaporizer or by eating the plant in cooked form. Using a vaporizer or cooked form, a patient can use an ounce or more per day if daily dose is needed.
The law makers went on to joke about marijuana:
Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Sen. Adam Kline, D-Seattle, joked that marijuana was in fact a gateway drug:
“My own experience shows that marijuana is. I used to grow my own dope and now I brew my own beer.”
The room erupted into laughter and clapping before Kline added: “Just kidding.”
Its good to see senators pushing forward with bills like this. And it is up to us to support those who have the courage to do it!
The pot possession bill is Senate Bill 5615.
These law makers need to be more informed about how much medical marijuana is needed for patients. We encourage their effort, but the amount you are allowed to possess should be much larger.