Pubdate: Wed, 12 May 2004 Source: City Paper, The (TN) Copyright: 2004, The City Paper,LLC Contact: http://www.nashvillecitypaper.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3080 Author: Judith R. Tackett Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?199 (Mandatory Minimum Sentencing) MARIJUANA PROPOSAL FAILS State lawmakers are not ready to lighten up on marijuana offenses as was demonstrated Tuesday when Sen. Steve Cohen (D-Memphis) attempted to increase the amount of marijuana a dealer has to sell before being punished with a felony. Under current law, the possession of half an ounce of marijuana or less carries a misdemeanor and could result in up to one year of prison. However, the sale of half an ounce to 10 pounds of marijuana is a felony punished by one to six years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000. In an attempt to distinguish between users and dealers, Cohen tried to raise the amount resulting in a felony from half an ounce to one ounce. However, his proposal failed because no other senator on the Judiciary Committee was willing to second it. "It just shows, once you pass a bad law, it's difficult to change it," Cohen said, adding marijuana should be legalized. The discussion arose because the administration wants to allocate $4 million to stiffen the penalties on methamphetamine possession to bring it in line with cocaine offenses. - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin