The Great Pot Debate

[Johnny]

Right now, if you get caught with pot in Fayetteville, there’s a good chance you could be headed straight to jail. Many locals think that’s exactly where you should end up, but there’s another group who wants the law to change.

A local campaign group called “Sensible Fayetteville” is trying to change that. They think the current punishment for possession of pot is too harsh.

“You know, in Arkansas, if you get caught a second time with marijuana, no matter what amount, it’s an automatic felony. That destroys lives. That means you can’t vote and you lose your financial aid to college,” explains Ryan Denham, the Campaign Director for “Sensible Fayetteville.”

Group members say Washington County is wasting resources to prosecute pot users. They want police to decriminalize weed.

“This is clogging the court and jail system here in Washington County and it’s taking away precious police resources,” says Denham.

To get an amendment on this year’s ballot, the group needs 3,600 signatures, but that may be tough. Many locals we spoke to say they think reducing the punishment for weed is a bad idea.

“It’s just a step toward anarchy,” explains one Fayetteville resident.

“I believe by lowering the penalties, it just brings more in the area. It gives an excuse to bring more into the area,” says Tara Eakle, another local opposed to changing the law.

There are a few cities across the U.S. that have already decriminalized pot. Eureka Springs did it in 2006.

A local Sergeant at the Washington County Detention Center says they do arrest a lot of people on marijuana charges. She also says that the jail often overfills. However, she would not comment on whether she supports a change in the law.


Newshawk: JohnnyPotSmoker: http://www.420magazine.com/
Source: KNWA, AR
Copyright: 2008 Nexstar Broadcasting, Inc.
Contact: About - Contact Us
Website: “The Great Pot Debate”