NORML RESOLUTION IN LEGAL LIMBO

A UA NORML resolution, sponsored by two ASG senators, supporting a
more lenient enforcement of marijuana laws on campus has been put on
hold because of a negative response from UA Administration.

"What this [bill] would in fact do is raise the level of alcohol
punishment to that of marijuana," said Megan Bright, an ASG senator
sponsoring the resolution. "If it passes in ASG, it will not do what
they want it to do."

Bright met with Dayna Wolek, ASG advisor, and NORML representatives
Charles Mcclure and Chris Carter yesterday afternoon to discuss the UA
Adminstration's response to the possibility of the resolution passing
in ASG.

ASG Senate chair Kris Zibert did not wish to comment on the possible
resolution at this time.

The purpose for the resolution states:

A resolution to acknowledge that the use of marijuana by University of
Arkansas students is less harmful to both the user and to the
University community than the use of alcohol by students, and to call
on the University to reduce its sanctions for student marijuana use
and possession so that they are no greater than those sanctions for
student alcohol use and possession.

"Alcohol is more dangerous than marijuana," said Jordan Dickerson,
president of UA NORML. "We think that university policy should reflect
that reality.

"If that is the decision that they want to make then that is their
decision to make but we want to work with them on the issue," he said.
"I don't think it is a realistic policy for them to reinforce."

"We understand that marijuana is illegal and there are plenty of
penalties. Our thing is the university shouldn't be tacking on
additional charges," Dickerson said.

Members of the UA NORML chapter thought seeking ASG approval would
best voice their opnions on the issue.

"We are the future of America," said Ryan Denham, UA NORML chapter
founder. "[ASG] is a mini congressional legislature.

"[The resolution] is not going to change the law of the campus but it
is important because we need to let our local and state
representatives and school administrations know that we are tired of
America's war on a plant," he said.

"Alcohol is clearly more dangerous than marijuana," Denham
said.

In 2001, excessive alcohol use was responsible for approximately
75,000 preventable deaths, according to the U.S. Center for Disease
Control Web site.

The UA NORML chapter worked with Safer Alternative For Enjoyable
Recreation before creating the resolution. SAFER spearheaded
legalization of up to one ounce of marijuana in Denver.

UA OMNI and the Campus Greens also agreed to sponsor the resolution,
Denham said.