REP. HAHN SEEKS STIFFER PENALTIES FOR ECSTASY

Although it's a potentially much more dangerous drug, with the
potential to cause heart and kidney failure, the penalties for
possessing the "club drug" ecstasy are lower than those for
first-offense possession of marijuana.

Rep. Gene Hahn, R-Cambria, introduced a bill Tuesday that would
change that. Under his proposal, possessing the stimulant synthetic
drug could land an offender in jail for up to a year and net a fine
of up to $5,000. A second drug-related conviction, including those
for ecstasy, could land a 3 1/2-year prison term and a $10,000 fine.

Currently, ecstasy possession carries a maximum penalty of up to 30
days in jail and a $500 fine.

"This ecstasy is not in the proper category for penalties and fines,"
he said. With only a nominal fine and jail time attached to
possession, "there are folks who are not giving too much thought to
purchasing or selling ecstasy."

Ecstasy is a less prevalent drug in the area than it was several
years ago, Columbia County Detective Lt. Wayne Smith said.

"We had a fairly significant problem with it, and we struggled with
that problem because it involves mostly young people," Smith said.
"Lately, other prescription drugs have really overtaken the whole
segment of users. Where we would have seen ecstasy with a younger
person, we're now seeing heroin and OxyContin or oxycodone."

Marquette County District Attorney Richard Dufour also said his
prosecutions for ecstasy possession have been rare, totaling no more
than one or two instances in the last four to five years. "It's not a
major problem we've had," he said.

Hahn, however, said assistant district attorneys from Dodge and Dane
counties testified on the prevalence of ecstasy in their counties at
a Thursday committee hearing.

Ecstasy is often referred to as a "club drug," because it is
primarily used in night clubs and "raves," or high-energy dance
parties that last for hours. Ecstasy can cause a number of adverse
physical and psychological reactions in the body, including potential
heart and kidney failure at raves, according to the Office of
National Drug Control Policy.

Although it's primarily connected to all-night dance parties and
clubs, "the reports we are getting is that it's no longer in the big
gatherings. It's getting into private parties and homes," Hahn said.

A measure substantially similar to Hahn's passed the Assembly 80-16
in February 2004, but died in the state Senate without making the
floor. Hahn acknowledged time is running short to get the measure
passed in this legislative session. but he believes the bill, AB 989,
is on a fast track, having already had a committee hearing Thursday.