Pubdate: Mon, 17 Mar 2003
Source: Lantern, The (OH Edu)
Copyright: 2003 The Lantern
Contact:  http://www.thelantern.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1214
Author: Matt Carney
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization)

PENALTIES FOR REEFER DON'T DETER SMOKERS

Legalize pot, Erik Bussa? Great idea, but your proposed longer prison 
sentences are outrageous. If pot becomes legal, most people that smoke 
consistently will grow it on their own. And why not? I would grow marijuana 
if it were legalized. Why, you ask? Because it would be so much cheaper to 
grow it myself, and the American government would be bound to charge 
inflated prices.

Another thing, America's prison system is already bursting to the gills 
with minor drug offenders and your lengthy sentences would overpopulate 
them even more. Your column, while it had some common sense, seemed to be 
your forum to explicate your impressive vocabulary of marijuana slang 
terms. In turn, this made you come off like a complete idiot. This is the 
second article, and I'm almost certain there are others, that you claim 
harsher prison terms will solve America's problems. We are human, and we 
all make mistakes, so lighten up and take a toke.

Matt Carney, Freshman in Natural Resources
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MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager