Pubdate: Mon, 06 Feb 2012
Source: Sentinel And Enterprise, The (MA)
Copyright: 2012 MediaNews Group, Inc. and Mid-States Newspapers, Inc.
Contact:  http://sentinelandenterprise.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2498

TEEN POT LAWS NEED MORE TEETH

The decriminalization of marijuana by voters starting in 2009 has 
turned into a classic example of the law of unintended consequences. 
In blurring the line between right and wrong, and creating nominal 
fines for possession of small amounts of the drug, voters have made 
pot more attractive to teens who now face little consequence. 

Consider: Westford Academy Principal James Antonelli has held 50 
disciplinary hearings for students caught with illegal substances in 
his five years as head of the school. Current laws are ineffective and 
Antonelli says he's handcuffed. Students who bring drugs or alcohol to 
school can only be suspended or excluded. Bring a small baggy of 
marijuana to class, and a call to the police causes barely a ripple; 
the maximum penalty for possession of less than an ounce is $100. 

So Antonelli, working with state Rep. James Arciero, D-Westford, 
developed a bill to increase penalties for teen drug possession. 
Antonelli is trying to make his point by striking at most teens' main 
needs: money and freedom. Under the Antonelli proposal, teens 
convicted of possession of illegal substances will lose their 
junior-operator license (ages 16 1/2 to 18) until they take a 
three-month substance-abuse program and pay a $1,000 fine. 

Some may see a disconnect in punishing drug offenses via motor-vehicle 
restrictions. But it's naive to think that students don't use illegal 
substances before or during school, and have never driven under the 
influence. Antonelli said staff once witnessed students passing around 
what appeared to be a marijuana cigarette in their car -- while 
driving to school. 

The exact impact of marijuana on driving ability is hard to pin down; 
studies come to varying conclusions. But even pro-pot advocates agree 
that marijuana use impairs psychomotor skills, even if slightly and 
for short periods. Lawmakers have spent hundreds of hours setting 
limits for texting and cell-phone use behind the wheel. If electronic 
distractions hurt a driver's ability to react on the road, so does a 
"recreational" drug. 

Arciero and Antonelli say their effort is not a solution, but a 
starting point for discussion. While stiffer penalties will be an 
effective deterrent, we encourage Antonelli, Arciero and the 
Legislature to consider allowing law-enforcement and judges to allow 
limited waivers of penalties. A fine of $1,000 may be insurmountable 
to those from poor backgrounds. A family who needs their child's 
after-school income to make ends meet should not be penalized. Lengthy 
and worthwhile community service will make the point without hurting 
the harmless.
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MAP posted-by: Richard R Smith Jr.