SENATE HARDENS POT-SALE PENALTY

Had he been able to vote from the Senate gallery Thursday, Iowa State
University senior Brian Dirks said, he would have supported tougher
marijuana penalties.

Dirks, a forestry major from Le Mars, and six ISU companions watched the
Senate debate, then approve a bill that would make it a felony to sell even
the smallest quantity of marijuana.

Opponents argued that the stricter law could damage the future of a young
adult who makes a mistake. But Dirks said offenders should pay the
consequences. "I'd be real scared if someone was going to law school or
medical school using drugs," he said.

The bill also would increase criminal penalties to a maximum five years in
prison for someone who gives one-half to 1 ounce of marijuana to another
person. There would continue to be lighter punishment for giving lesser
amounts.

Sen. Jeff Lamberti, R-Ankeny, who guided debate of the bill, said it treats
marijuana more like other illicit drugs. Critics said more punishment was
the wrong approach. They called for more drug treatment and education.

"I don't think we want to fill up our prisons with more and more young
people who make that mistake," said Sen. Johnie Hammond, D-Ames.

"The real problem is the meth problem," said Sen. Matt McCoy, D-Des Moines.

Supporters of the bill rejected those arguments. "I know meth is getting all
the headlines, but there is a drug problem and marijuana is part of it,"
said Sen. David Miller, R-Libertyville.

Said Sen. Mike Sexton, R-Rockwell City, "We need to be a little bit tough on
some of these kids because maybe they don't have the structure at home that
our kids do."

The bill, passed on a 34-11 vote, already had sailed through the House. It
still needs Gov. Tom Vilsack's signature to take effect.