Pubdate: Fri, 26 Nov 2004
Source: St. Louis Post-Dispatch (MO)
Copyright: 2004 St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Contact:  http://www.stltoday.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/418
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization)

MARIJUANA - HIGH TIMES IN COLUMBIA

MAYBE IT'S A SIGN OF THE TIMES, but it's a surprising sign in a state
and county that went red on Nov. 2. Voters in Columbia, Mo., decided
on Election Day to decriminalize marijuana, permitting its medicinal
use and offering low fines and no jail time for anyone caught with 35
grams or less. In other words, it's cool to have the equivalent of 20
king-sized doobies.

In addition, the charges will be dropped for first-time offenders who
keep their nose clean.

Is this a good idea? Maybe, maybe not. But it's a reflection of the
times, argues Dan Viets, a Columbia attorney who has defended people
accused of pot possession and helped lead the effort to change
Columbia's law. He argues that the anti-marijuana law made no sense
and that the government has no business treating pot-smokers like criminals.

He also says plenty of Republicans voted to ease the punishment for
pot possession. The only thing that surprised him was the margin of
victory for the two propositions: 70 percent said yes to the use of
medical marijuana and 60 percent said a municipal court should handle
cases involving 35 grams or less.

This law also means students busted on misdemeanor drug charges in
Columbia wouldn't lose their financial aid. Federal law forbids
financial assistance to students with pot convictions in higher courts.

It turns out most people possessing small amounts of pot had little to
worry about.

Boone County Prosecuting Attorney Kevin Crane says his office isn't
exactly filling the jail with recreational pot-smokers who have no
serious criminal records.

But Columbia Police Chief Randy Boehm is a bit concerned that the law
isn't tougher on repeat offenders.

Though the public may be more accepting of pot, federal drug officials
aren't convinced marijuana should be decriminalized. They argue that
pot sold these days is far more potent than the pot smoked in the
1960s and 1970s. On the other hand, more than a dozen states allow the
use of medicinal marijuana and/or have lightened the penalty for
recreational use. Mr. Viets says the next step is to get the Missouri
Legislature to allow statewide the use of marijuana with a doctor's
approval.

In a Republican-dominated Legislature with a Republican governor, that
may not seem likely at first blush.

Then again, you never can tell. After all, this is the same statehouse
bunch that refused to outlaw deer hunting under the influence.
Apparently they think it's just fine for good ol' boys to climb up a
tree with a six-pack and a rifle and shoot deer. Now that's a natural
high.
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MAP posted-by: Derek