GET UP, STAND UP FOR MARY JANE

If a stranger asked if you have ever - or currently - smoked marijuana,
how would you reply? For those that do, would the truth of these "pothead"
ways come out, or would the response be more of a hesitant no? Considering
the hypothetical scenario, some would reply yes without a stutter. But the
shy majority would hesitate, completely deny or avoid the question - or
would they?

According to the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws Web
site, government statistics state, "nearly 80 million Americans admit to
having smoked marijuana." And I believe the number of current pot smokers,
students and working parents alike, is actually much higher.

Some states such as Arizona, California and Maryland (10 total) have
legalized medicinal marijuana. Others, such as our "Wild Wonderful West
Virginia," have yet to accomplish anything along these lines. That's how
our neighbor Canada started out. First it was legal for medical use only,
then was decriminalized in 2002. The punishment for possessing 30 grams or
less of pot in Canada is like getting a traffic violation in the United States.
In our state, possessing more than 15 grams is a misdemeanor with jail time
up to six months, plus a $1,000 fine. If that seems a little hefty, then
don't even think about cultivating a plant. That is seen as a felony in
W.Va., and punishment can be up to five years in jail and a $15,000 fine.
There have been over 700,000 arrests for marijuana possession; in the
meantime, psychos are roaming free. It doesn't add up.

Many states are still striving to reform marijuana laws, with help from
NORML, a nonprofit organization against marijuana prohibition. According to
its Web site, "NORML supports the removal of all criminal penalties for the
private possession and responsible use of marijuana by adults." Adults in
this society need not be ashamed of so-called illegal doings and should
take a stand; not only for the current situation, but for a freer marijuana
lifestyle in the future.
Think you can't make a change? Think again. NORML has created wristbands
similar to the "LIVESTRONG" bracelets, which sell on its Web site for $5.
They are green with "Relegalize it NOW! Freedom is NORML!" inscribed around
the band, for those who wish to publicly support marijuana law reform.
Another site is the Marijuana Policy Project at http://www.mpp.org/WV.
Visitors to this site can write letters to their state legislators on
marijuana law reforms. MPP even sends these letter directly to the legislators.

I leave with a quote from President Jimmy Carter: "Penalties against drug
use should not be more damaging to an individual than the use of the drug
itself. Nowhere is this more clear than in the laws against the possession
of marijuana in private for personal use."