STICK THIS IN YOUR PIPE AND SMOKE IT

After watching the Broncos decimate the Ducks in Autzen Stadium, I was
impressed with how well their fans took the loss. We wished them the
best as we made our way out of the stadium and across the river. Upon
reaching the end of the footbridge, I noticed that a local glass
artist had set up a table to sell pipes in front of several thousands
of football fans making their way across the river.

"I figured after the loss everyone would want a little pick-me-up,"
the seller said when asked why he was selling in full public view.

The culture in Eugene and Springfield, Ore. is certainly different
than in Idaho. Not because marijuana is legal in Oregon, but rather
because it's decriminalized.

Oregon doesn't deal with marijuana, like other illicit drugs such as
cocaine or amphetamines, by handing out large fines and prison time
for simple possession. According to law.findlaw.com, Oregon has no
jail time and a fine of $500-$1,000 for possession of up to 1 ounce of
marijuana.

Currently Idaho has rather harsh statutes concerning marijuana. Simple
possession of less than 3 ounces lands you up to one year in prison,
up to a $1,000 fine or some combination of the two. The threat of
jail-time is what really separates the two states. Imagine if drinking
underage landed you in jail for five months and a $600 fine instead of
only a fine of up to $1,000.

According to the Drug Enforcement Agency, marijuana is illegal because
it provides no medical benefits, reduces the user's capacity to learn
and impairs driving.

I don't know if anyone has told the DEA this, but there is a legal
drug that we can all get our hands on quite easily that does all of
those things: alcohol.

When questioned about the apparent double standard, most students I
asked couldn't think of a reason why marijuana is illegal and alcohol
is not.

One student, Sarah Posey, was quick to answer when she said, "If
marijuana is illegal, tobacco should be too."

Several respondents also noted that people who drink are more prone to
arguments and fighting, while marijuana users are more quiet and reserved.

With no real consensus as to why marijuana should be illegal while
alcohol isn't, I decided to ask criminal justice professor David
Mueller his opinion on the subject. Mueller was quick to mention that
the number of violent crimes committed by alcohol users is far greater
than the number committed by marijuana users.

During our conversation, Mueller pointed out that legalizing marijuana
was not possible because it is a federal law that makes marijuana
illegal and removing that law isn't politically feasible right now.

However, in regards to the state level, Mueller said,
"decriminalization for simple possession of marijuana is a viable option."

With regards to the potential medical properties of marijuana Mueller
said, "the unregulated sale of marijuana is not safe because you can't
always know the potency or content of street drugs."

If it were decriminalized it would open the door to medical use, which
could be standardized for patients, ensuring safety and quality.

Recreational users above the age of 18 should be held responsible for
breaking the law.

But if the law is just plain silly, the least we can do is urge our
state lawmakers to reduce the punishment for simple possession of
marijuana so that it does not include jail time.