Pubdate: Tue, 5 Sep 2006
Source: Diamondback, The (U of MD Edu)
Contact:  2006 Diamondback
Website: http://www.diamondbackonline.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/758
Author: Megan Maizel
Note: Megan Maizel is a sophomore philosophy and American studies major.
Cited: Students for Sensible Drug Policy http://www.ssdp.org
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Marijuana)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?225 (Students - United States)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?219 (Students for Sensible Drug Policy)

MARIJUANA LOBBY AIMS OFF TARGET

This past April during SGA elections, a referendum was passed 
suggesting the punishments in dorms for marijuana and alcohol be the 
same. As it stands currently, marijuana is listed as a "Section A" 
offense, meaning any individual caught with marijuana will have his 
or her housing terminated immediately, as well as be subject to other 
potential punishments. Possession of alcoholic beverages, meanwhile, 
is listed under "Section B," which requires a warning and probation 
from housing, as well as potential community service for first offenses.

The referendum represented a widespread view on campus that the 
marijuana restrictions are overly harsh, and that the drug should be 
categorized differently than other potentially more harmful 
substances. However, the movement to loosen restrictions on the drug, 
while impressive in its numbers and passionate leaders, is a cause 
lacking any real hope.

The reason I write this is a very simple one, and one that is all too 
often overlooked by passionate students: marijuana is illegal. In the 
United States, it is illegal to possess, distribute, or use 
marijuana. Period. While some may argue that underage drinking is 
illegal as well, the fundamental truth is that alcohol itself is not 
classified by the Drug Enforcement Administration as illegal to 
possess, as marijuana is. That being said, I am just a little 
confused as to how campus groups such as Students for a Sensible Drug 
Policy feel they are going to get a movement passed to change the 
resident life student code of conduct. One can only hope their 
proposals are only symbolic, and that these students don't actually 
believe this ludicrous movement will be recognized by the administration.

This is not to say I disagree with the points the groups address. 
They argue that marijuana is not nearly as harmful as alcohol, and 
that students under the influence of marijuana are not an immediate 
threat to themselves or their fellow students (though the Dorito rack 
at Wawa should probably watch its back). I do tend to agree with this 
- -- alcohol-related violent crimes seem to be much more common than 
marijuana-related ones. Another good point addressed is that we are 
wasting our time and money incarcerating otherwise law-abiding 
citizens. These groups say that as a result of these and several 
other reasons, marijuana punishments should be decreased.

Nonetheless, these issues are completely irrelevant in talking about 
campus punishments. Even if change is in the winds for marijuana laws 
and marijuana is indeed less harmful than the government makes it out 
to be, the fact is the law states marijuana is illegal and we as a 
school must uphold that. I'm getting awfully tired of stories about 
poor friends who were stripped of housing because they were caught 
with weed, and how unfair it is. I certainly sympathize with the 
situation -- having housing pulled out from under your feet must not 
be pleasant -- but it's not like the situation is unavoidable and 
unjust. I have a solution for those who don't want their housing 
revoked: don't bring your weed on campus. Following the rules should 
not be a selective thing. You know the rules, so don't complain when 
the punishments are carried out when you knowingly violate them.

So for all of you who believe our campus' marijuana policy must 
change, please think about where you are directing your argument. 
Perhaps the intention is working your way up the ladder to higher and 
higher officials until a state or national law is passed, but please 
don't ask me to support your endeavors to make the possession of 
marijuana a "Section B" offense here on campus. Doing so would put 
possessing this currently illegal substance on the same punishment 
level as throwing a Nerf football or littering inside the residence 
halls, and would create a mockery out of our state and national laws. 
- ---
MAP posted-by: Richard Lake