ALASKA GETS TOUGHER ON MARIJUANA?

It Is the Most Lenient State on Personal Use. the Governor, Calling
Pot a Peril, Seeks a Change.

Juneau, Alaska - Alaska's law on marijuana possession is considered
the most liberal in the country - but its governor wants to change
that, saying marijuana has evolved into "a dangerous drug."

Republican Gov. Frank H. Murkowski says that recreational use of
marijuana should no longer be protected by Alaskans' right to privacy.
He is pressing the Legislature to restore criminal penalties for
marijuana possession.

Residents are now allowed to keep up to 4 ounces in their
homes.

The intent is to overturn the Alaska Supreme Court decision that
legalized the use of small amounts of marijuana.

The state's highest court concluded in 1975 that Alaskans'
constitutional right to privacy outweighed any harm that might occur
from using a small amount of marijuana in the home. State legislators
set that amount at 4 ounces in 1982.

Although 11 states have "decriminalized" small amounts of marijuana
for personal use, they generally set the limit at a single ounce and
most levy a fine for possession, said Allen St. Pierre, executive
director of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws.

Alaska's marijuana laws are "bar none" the most liberal in the
country, he said.

Federal law prohibits any use of marijuana, but 11 states including
Alaska allow it to be used for medicinal purposes.

Murkowski's marijuana bill is wrapped into legislation that seeks to
curb the manufacture of methamphetamine and now awaits action in a
legislative committee.

If the bill passes, Alaska would make possession of 4 ounces of
marijuana or more a felony. Possession of less than 4 ounces but more
than an ounce would be a misdemeanor, punishable by up to a year in
jail. Having less than an ounce would be punishable by up to 90 days
in jail.