It’s like beating an old lady in the way it’s prosecuted and the sentences handed down for possession.
The Associated Press reports that “[Udonis] Haslem was charged with possessing more than 20 grams of marijuana, a third-degree felony which could bring maximum punishments of a $5,000 fine and a five-year prison sentence.” Twenty grams is less than three-quarters of an ounce….
Even without evidence of intent to distribute, possessing a small quantity of marijuana in Florida can get you the same sentence as grand theft, burglary, and battery of a police officer or an old lady.
Aside from medicinal use cannabis (where it’s lawful), I wouldn’t encourage marijuana or tobacco smoking. And yet, these sentences are so disproportionately severe compared to sentences for violent crimes that they’re an affront to justice.
Via How Is Smoking Pot Like Beating an Old Lady? – Hit & Run : Reason Magazine.