STUDENT ARRESTED FOR MARIJUANA

A University of Rhode Island student was arraigned last Wednesday on felony
charges of possession with intention to distribute marijuana and
cultivating marijuana.

URI student Kenneth J. Lucas, 19, of East Longmedow, Mass., was charged
with growing $7,500 worth of marijuana in his parents' Great Island home.
According to The Providence Journal, Narragansett police confiscated 24
mature marijuana plants and growing supplies, including fluorescent lights,
fertilizer and plants ready for harvesting. Additionally, officers found
one pound of marijuana and $2,700 in cash.

According to the Journal, police officers were investigating a housebreak
that occurred in the neighborhood several days earlier when they smelled
burning marijuana from Lucas' parents' home.

Lucas' roommate, URI student Lee M. Meirowitz, of Sound Beach, N.Y.,
answered the door. After first attempting to close the door, he hesitantly
allowed the officers inside. According to the Journal, Narragansett police
Detective Lt. Gerald Driscoll said he smelled an "overwhelming odor of
growing marijuana" in the basement of the house. After Driscoll acquired a
search warrant, he said he found a "poor man's greenhouse" behind the
locked door of the basement, according to the Journal.

Police took Meirowitz and two unidentified people to the police station for
questioning. Police arrested Meirowitz on misdemeanor charges of possession
of marijuana and obstruction of justice. Police did not charge the other two.

Junior Micah Daigle, a member of the Students for Sensible Drug Policy's
National Board of Directors, said SSDP does not condone the use or sale of
illegal drugs. However, Daigle said that regardless of how many people are
arrested, marijuana consumption will continue to be prevalent.

"Prohibition has created a lucrative black-market that makes easily grown
weeds literally worth the price of gold," Daigle said. "Poor college
students will continue to be good capitalists - growing and selling
marijuana - as long as the demand for it remains the same."

Daigle said by arresting Lucas, the police have done "little more then
create a job opening."

Daigle said in order for students to not be lured into the profit of the
"black market," he feels marijuana should be regulated similar to alcohol.

"When people are willing to spend a fortune on an easily grown weed, it's
not surprising that profiteers will set up a greenhouse in their basement,"
Daigle said. "It's alcohol prohibition all over again."

Daigle added if Lucas is convicted, he will become one of over 160,000
students who have been denied access to federal financial aid because of
drug convictions.

"If we want to encourage this student to pursue a legitimate career path,
why are we putting road blocks in the path to his education?" Daigle said.

Lucas remains in jail and is scheduled to appear at a status review on May 11.