BE LENIENT ON RECREATIONAL POT USERS

DEAR ANN: My son has been arrested for possession of marijuana with intent
to distribute. A lawyer told me if someone is caught with marijuana,
chances are the police will add "intent to distribute," even in the absence
of supporting evidence. This changes the crime from a misdemeanor to a felony.

My son is a good kid who attends college and has a part-time job. He didn't
hurt anyone. He didn't steal anything. He didn't cheat anybody. He was
caught with marijuana for his own use, and for this, he could get 30 years
in prison. He has never gotten so much as a parking ticket.

I don't approve of smoking grass, and I do not approve of smoking
cigarettes or drinking alcohol. But this punishment seems excessive. These
harsh laws hurt us all.

I plead for compassion for those who are hurting only themselves when they
use dangerous substances. What they need is counseling and medical
intervention, not prison. Harsh laws don't work. They cost us a fortune in
taxes to prosecute and incarcerate people who pose no danger to society.
Enough.

A Sad Mother

Virginia

DEAR SAD MOTHER: If the police added "intent to distribute" without real
evidence, your son will need the help of a competent lawyer who can get
those charges dismissed.

I have long believed that the laws regarding marijuana are too harsh. Those
who keep pot for their own use should not be treated as criminals. Thirty
years in prison makes no sense whatsoever. I'm with you.