LEGAL MARIJUANA GETS LITTLE LOCAL BUZZ

Locals Weigh The Green Option

Arkansas Sen. Randy Laverty, a Democrat from Jasper, may plant a
legislative seed in 2011.

In an effort to aid the state's overburdened prisons, Laverty may
bring a budding discussion to the state Senate floor on the topic of
legalizing medicinal marijuana in Arkansas.

Laverty told The Associated Press legalizing or lessening criminal
penalties for marijuana may be one way to "curb overcrowding in
Arkansas' prisons."

But District 4 State Sen. Michael Lamoureux said he would be
surprised if the issue was turned into a law anytime soon.

"Personally, I am not in favor of legalizing marijuana in any way,"
Lamoureux, who was elected in a special election earlier this month,
said. "I think an approach that may even see more attention is a
re-evaluation of length of jail sentences for that particular crime.
I think as we struggle with budget cuts and prison overcrowding it
will probably be brought up in the 2011 session. I think our
priority should be dangerous criminals."

In 2009, Pope County law enforcement agents seized 7,288 pounds of
marijuana and 52 cultivated plants, 5th Judicial District
Prosecuting Attorney David Gibbons said.

"My role is to enforce the law, and marijuana is against the law, so
no, I do not think it should be legalized," Gibbons said when asked
about his stance on the possibility of legalizing medical marijuana.

Area residents offered differing views on the matter.

Kristie Rhodes of Russellville said Wednesday she doesn't think
marijuana should be legal except for certain circumstances.

"I say no to legalizing unless it is for medical reasons like
chronic diseases," Rhodes said.

Tony Thompson of Pottsville said he is for the legalization of marijuana.

"I mean look at the benefits," Thompson said Wednesday. "We've got a
prime growing area here in Arkansas. It would help farmers and the
state financially. We could eliminate debt by taxing the product,
and wouldn't have so many in jail that we the taxpayers have to
fund. Plus, I think cigarettes are a worse evil and they are legal."

Local law enforcement officials had different views on the matter,
but agreed the drug should not be legalized.

"Right now, I wouldn't be in favor of legalizing marijuana," 5th
Judicial District Drug Task Force director Larry Johnson said.
"People say they use it for medical purposes and I feel like it is
something people use just to get high more than just for general
aches and pains."

Johnson said local jails are populated with more inmates who have
been arrested on methamphetamine charges, not marijuana.

"Honestly, I think we have more of a problem with methamphetamine in
our area," Johnson said. "Usually people will have a small amount of
marijuana. If they get caught, the first offense for those is just a
misdemeanor."

Pope County Sheriff Aaron DuVall said he feels marijuana is a
problem because of the quantity being seized on Interstate 40.

"Locally, we see quite a few people arrested with large quantities
on I-40," DuVall said.

From a drug rehabilitation standpoint, Gary Rhodes -- the director
of Russellville Freedom House who is not related to Kristie Rhodes
- -- said marijuana is one of the most frequently used illegal drug
with more than 120,000 people entering treatment annually in
the United states for marijuana addiction.

"The effects of marijuana can be harmful in a number of ways,
through both immediate effects and damage to health over time,"
Rhodes said. "A study by the National Institute on Drug Abuse in
2006 indicated that 42 percent of high school seniors had used
marijuana at least once in their lifetime.

"We can only imagine what that percentage would be if marijuana were
legalized. Remember, it interferes with the ability to learn and
retain information. By legalizing marijuana, we could be setting up
future generations for failure as well as increase the abuse by
current adult users."

Currently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not approved
smoking marijuana for any condition or disease in the United States.
Regardless, 14 states have legalized cannabis for medical use.

"The only time marijuana should be allowed is with the approval of a
medical professional that has prescribed it for a patient just as
they would prescribe other medications for a specific illness," Gary
Rhodes said. "Otherwise, marijuana should remain an illegal substance."

Laverty -- who was unavailable for comment Tuesday and Wednesday --
said he wants to wait for legislative research and data from the
Department of Correction before he decides whether to sponsor
legislation to lessen or eliminate criminal penalties for the drug.

In a recent legislative hearing, Laverty called for a debate about
legalization after asking prison officials how many inmates are in
jail on marijuana offenses. Laverty suggested those who use the drug
for medical purposes shouldn't be punished.

Area detention center officials said last week they face the
difficult task of balancing limited capacity at jails with a steady
flow of offenders while operating within an annual budget.

"You've got some on the low end of the spectrum as far as marijuana
laws (that) probably need to be released," Yell County Bill Gilkey
said last week. "At the same time, you've got people dealing that
stuff to kids and transporting large quantities.

"I think there's some rehab programs that are good, but I see more
results from incarceration."

Nationwide, dozens of states are considering bills ranging from the
legalization of medical marijuana to decriminalizing possession of
small amounts of marijuana, measures similar to those found in
Eureka Springs and Fayetteville.

Information gathered by the National Organization for the Reform of
Marijuana Laws at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville
indicates an initiative to make cannabis "a low police priority"
passed in November 2006 in Eureka Springs

The ordinance directs local law enforcement to issue a summons in
lieu of a criminal arrest for adults 18 and over found in possession
of up to one ounce of cannabis or cannabis paraphernalia. Cannabis
offenses are punished by a fine, community service or drug
counseling and education, but do not result in an arrest.

In November 2008, the city of Fayetteville made possession of less
than one ounce the lowest priority for local law enforcement
agencies. Police officials, however, indicated they would continue
to enforce marijuana-related laws.

On Wednesday, a Colorado judge ruled residents of the state have a
constitutional right to purchase medical marijuana, The Associated
Press reported. Colorado approved a constitutional amendment in 2000
allowing medical marijuana.

The Associated Press, Michael Ford and Adam Franks contributed
information to this report.