Cutting marijuana penalties cuts incarceration costs

[struggle4progress]

Sat, May. 26, 2012, 3:00 AM
Inquirer Editorial

A bill introduced in New Jersey that would impose fines rather than jail time for marijuana possession offers a more reasonable approach to the war on drugs.

Under the measure, a first-time offender arrested with 15 grams of marijuana or less would face a $150 fine. The fine for subsequent offenses could increase to up to $500, along with referral to a state drug-education program. The bill won unanimous approval with bipartisan support Monday from the Assembly Judiciary Committee. A Senate version was introduced last week.

Unfortunately, legislative approval may not be enough. A spokesman for Gov. Christie has said it is unlikely that the former federal prosecutor would sign it.

Christie similarly took the wrong stance in opposing legalization of medical marijuana. But it would be hypocritical for him not to support a measure that not only would save taxpayers millions of dollars, but also falls in line with his proposal to require mandatory drug treatment, rather than jail, for nonviolent drug offenders, rightly recognizing that addiction is a disease that warrants treatment ...

http://www.philly.com/philly/opinion/154196295.html

[Webster Green]

1. Idiots.

It needs to be legalized. The laws are based on complete bullshit. Cannabis is a healing herb, and has many other uses as well. Enough is enough!

"But it would be hypocritical for him not to support a measure that not only would save taxpayers millions of dollars, but also falls in line with his proposal to require mandatory drug treatment, rather than jail, for nonviolent drug offenders, rightly recognizing that addiction is a disease that warrants treatment ..."

WTF does addiction and disease have to do with cannabis, other than the fact that it is actually helpful in treating many diseases?

Their whole approach begins and ends with idiotic false assumptions.

[kestrel91316]

4. [phone]

[ArcticFox]

5. You're right

I'm kind of sick of the unstated assumption that there's something wrong with you if you use marijuana.

It's almost equated with a mental illness.

[msongs]

2. worse it cuts welfare jobs for the police, courts, and prisons nt

[RainDog]

3. k&r n/t