Marijuana: After 30 Years, Nebraska Legislator Wants to Recriminalize

[Leo 9]

Drug War Chronicle - world’s leading drug policy newsletter

Marijuana: After 30 Years, Nebraska Legislator Wants to Recriminalize

from Drug War Chronicle, Issue #519, 1/18/08

For three decades, marijuana possession has been decriminalized in Nebraska, but now a state legislator has filed a bill, LB844, that would make it a misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a $500 fine. Currently, the maximum penalty for possession of less than one ounce is a $100 fine.

Nebraska is one of 12 states where marijuana possession has been decriminalized. Most of of them decriminalized in the 1970s, but Nevada joined the select group in 2001. A decriminalization initiative will go before Massachusetts voters this fall, and it appears the Vermont legislature may consider a move this year as well (See story here this issue).

But if state Sen. Russ Karpisek has his way, Nebraska will be heading in the other direction. He told the Omaha World-Herald he wants pot smokers to suffer at least the same penalty as underage drinkers.

"Alcohol is legal for adults, while marijuana is an illegal substance," the Wilber lawmaker said. "It's one of those things us rednecks really get mad about."

The proposed bill is winning the support of anti-drug activists and some prosecutors. The "parent resource group" PRIDE-Omaha Inc. thinks it's a good idea.

snip

http://stopthedrugwar.org/chronicle/519/nebraska_marijuana_recriminalize_decriminalize?&print

[ixion]

1. *sigh*

idiots. :(

[fenriswolf]

2. ah so I see you'll be throwing highschoolers in jail

just like you do for underage drinking. Have a great day and glad I don't live their.

[jgraz]

3. Further proof that corn causes brain damage

Any guesses on which party this asswipe belongs to?

[Syrinx]

4. Democratic Party

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2006/8/30/25811/2281

[jgraz]

5. Yikes -- that's sad

[MikeNearMcChord]

6. Yeah that's it! Let's keep the prison industrial complex churning and

churning!:mad:

[asthmaticeog]

7. Russ, bubbie, it'll only be an illegal substance IF YOU MAKE IT ONE, DIPSHIT.

:banghead:

[droidamus2]

8. Up for reelection??

Is this idiot up for reelection soon? This shows that the real basis for the 'War on drug users' is that it is an easy way for politicians to show the are 'tough on crime'. There was a running joke in my hometown back in the 1970's (big marijuana growing area) that you could be assured that when the Sheriff was up for reelection there would be a big marijuana raid just prior to the election. This would be complete with a picture of him standing next to a big pot plant on the front of the local paper. Dealers even knew to play it cool during that period. Just like anti-abortion/anti gay marriage (I have 'family' values'), war on terror? (I am strong on foreign affairs and support the military) and many more stances they don't really care if they do anything about it as long as they can periodically propose some law and then be able to point and say, 'see I tried to do something,I am really a true believer'. What a bunch of crap!

[AroundtheBend]

9. Ugh. Another idiot.

[east texas lib]

10. Ahhh Shit, Toto...

Not Again!

[sushiluver]

11. Great, another uptight politician.

The most dangerous kind.