Pubdate: Wed, 25 Mar 2009
Source: Ridgefield Press, The (CT)
Copyright: 2009 Hersam Acorn Newspapers
Contact:  http://www.acorn-online.com/news/publish/ridgefield.shtml
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4356
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?420 (Cannabis - Popular)

SENATOR OPPOSES LESSENING POT-POSSESSION PENALTIES

Senator Toni Boucher (R-26) has called for the General Assembly to 
reject proposed legislation that would "erode the progress made over 
the years to combat marijuana usage."

Senator Boucher, whose district covers Ridgefield, recently testified 
before the legislature's Judiciary Committee, opposing Senate Bill 
349, An Act Concerning the Penalty for Possession of a Small Amount 
of Marijuana.

The bill would decriminalize the possession of less than one ounce of 
marijuana by classifying it as an infraction. Currently, first time 
offenders convicted of possessing up to four ounces of marijuana are 
subject to a maximum fine of $1,000 and, or, a maximum prison 
sentence of one year.

Subsequent offenses are subject to a maximum fine of $3,000 and, or, 
a maximum prison sentence of five years.

It seems surreal that the same General Assembly that legislatively 
addresses quality of life and health issues, like trans-fat and 
second-hand smoke, would ever consider a bill that decriminalizes a 
substance which has such noxious effects," Senator Boucher said.

No elected official can ignore the social and health consequences 
that marijuana use imposes on the people of this country -- 
particularly children who are much more vulnerable to harm and 
addiction. This bill undermines all the work and effort of drug 
prevention advocates and would put Connecticut on a path detrimental 
to the health and well being of its residents."

Senator Boucher challenged proponents' claim that passing the bill 
would save money during this difficult economic time. Also, she said 
research shows most inmates convicted of marijuana possession were 
also charged with more serious crimes, and many enter guilty pleas to 
marijuana charges to avoid the more serious charges.

The number of less than one ounce marijuana possession cases is not 
even close to being significant enough to impact the caseload," she 
said. "The courts will still operate during business hours and 
prosecutors and staff will still have plenty of cases to process. 
Less than one ounce possession cases are only a small drop in the 
judicial case backlog . . . The cost to our health care system, 
substance abuse treatment centers, mental health centers, and our 
foster care system would wipe out any previous savings it may 
potentially generate at first. This bill would still not accomplish 
the financial savings that the proponents proclaim."

Senator Boucher said evidence of the dangerous health effects of 
marijuana usage and the detrimental effects of illegal drug use on 
society should be enough to convince the General Assembly to reject 
this proposed legislation.

There is a great deal of research available on the effects of smoked 
marijuana," she said. "In Connecticut alone, Yale University and the 
University of Connecticut Medical Societies have determined that 
smoked marijuana causes damages to the brain, heart, immune system, 
and lungs, as well as impairing learning and memory, and perception 
and judgment. There is now conclusive evidence that smoking marijuana 
gives you greater exposure to cancerous chemicals than from tobacco," 
said Senator Boucher.

She added, "research also shows a correlation between marijuana usage 
and an increased risk for developing mental disorders.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom