RESTORATIVE YOUTH SPEAKS OUT

Editor:

Editor's note: this letter was submitted by a youth as part of a
resolution agreement developed during a Restorative Justice
conference. This youth also completed 10 hours of community service
and an essay on the effects of marijuana use. He has given permission
to publish this letter anonymously and indicated on his evaluation of
the process that he would not commit a similar offence in the future.

I was recently out smoking weed with a buddy. We smoked in the car and
then my friend got out at his house and I went home.

On my way home I saw the police and I continued on my way. The police
car started following me and eventually pulled me over. The officer
came up to my car, which reeked of marijuana and she asked me to get
out of the car because they needed to search it.

I handed what was left of the marijuana to the officer and gave them
my pipe as well. I then got in the back of the police cruiser, while
the officer searched my car. She found a bong and some rollies.

I ended up getting a ticket, my car was towed away, and I was given a
24-hour suspension for being high and driving. The tow truck cost me
$110 and the ticket was $112.

Overall, my driving stoned could have had worse consequences. I could
have got into an accident or I could have hurt an innocent person
because of my stupidity to drive while stoned. As the law sees it,
driving stoned is just as bad as driving while drunk and most people
think otherwise. The fact is, marijuana does impair your driving
skills and these impairments can last up to four hours, even when the
high is gone.

Community Justice Program