MARIJUANA LAWS PAINT THE USER IN HARSH TONES

Dear Ann Landers: I just got a phone call from my son. He said, "I've been
arrested for possession of marijuana with intent to distribute." I knew he
had used marijuana on occasion, but I'm sure he never tried to sell it. 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. The accusation of intent changes the crime from a misdemeanor to
a felony.

Ann, 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 personal 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, nor do I approve of smoking
cigarettes or drinking alcohol. But this punishment seems excessive. I
can't help but think of the thousands of families that have suffered
this same horror. 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. Furthermore,
they cost us a fortune in taxes to prosecute and incarcerate people
who pose no danger to society. Enough.

- -- A Sad Mother in Va.

Dear Sad Mother: I'm sad about your son's predicament. 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 personal use should not be treated as
criminals. Thirty years in prison makes no sense whatsoever. I'm with
you.