LESS THAN AN OUNCE

The state of Massachusetts became the 13th state to pass the "Marijuana
Bill," in a yes vote on the Nov. 4 ballot. The bill states anyone older
than 18 caught with an ounce or less of marijuana will be subject to a
fine of $100 along with confiscation of the drugs.

Anyone under the age of 18 caught with marijuana will not only be fined
$100 along with the confiscation of the drugs but will also be required to
complete community service and participate in a drug awareness program.

Jail time would not be given for any offenders, therefore, making it
easier for those who do get fined to still have benefits such as financial
aid and when applying for jobs because their record would not include an
offense.

This decriminalization comes at a time when "change" has become the
country's motto.

The issue has raised many questions in medical and legal circles about
whether this will open the door to eventually legalizing marijuana and if
it should be legalized.

Critics worry this could possibly allow more access to the drug, possibly
increasing its usage, especially among those underage.

Some agree with the passing of this bill and lightening the punishments
given to offenders.

"I think the laws are severe, I think there needs to be more education
about marijuana. Some illegal drugs are more harmful than illegal drugs,"
sociology Chair Gloria Pimentel said.

While there are those who agree with decriminalization, there are those
who fear that the decriminalization of marijuana could become a hindrance
to society.

Derek Caknupp, communications major at St. Philip's College, said, "I feel
it would be a hindrance because if you keep putting users back into our
society, then we are not solving anything."

With the economy in the downslide that it is, decriminalization happens to
benefit the government's and the taxpayers' bottom line by lowering
criminal justice costs associated with prosecuting and incarcerating
offenders.

As much as it is a benefit, the repercussions can also, in some people's
opinion, be detrimental when it comes to the economy today.

"In today's economy, corporate America has not been held to a higher
standard," Caknupp said. "They have not been held accountable for a lot of
their actions leading to the collapse of our economy. Decriminalization of
marijuana in our society would be detrimental to our current situation,
and I feel there should be penalties that should be put in place and
upheld in order to prevent further immoral behavior."

And for those who agree that it's not so much the act of using the drug
but the behavior of those who use it, Pimentel agreed, saying, "Substance
abuse of alcohol is not the problem; it's the behavior. America values
getting drunk."

Pimentel said the case is the same with marijuana; however, she said she
believes "marijuana should be legal for medical purposes."

Properties of marijuana have been found to be helpful to glaucoma patients
in relieving ocular pressure and to ease nausea in cancer patients
receiving chemotherapy.

Other benefits include its impact on the autonomic nervous system to
expand breathing and relax the body, relieve pain in chronic cases and
reduce the risk of asthma in some cases.

Despite the reports of its benefits, the issue has especially become a
concern to the medical profession.

Last week, the Medical Marijuana Affirmative Offense Bill was introduced
to the Texas Legislature by District 49 state Rep. Elliot Naishtat,
D-Travis County.

The bill would allow physicians to make written and/or oral
recommendations stating that the potential benefits of marijuana would
outweigh the health risk for a particular patient.

The bill also states that if the patient is caught in possession of
marijuana, that he or she would be able to assert an affirmative defense
to the charges.

The patient would be able to avoid jail time, but the patient would not be
protected from the actual arrest.

Texas is one of 37 states in which marijuana has not been decriminalized
or legalized for medical use.