Idiot legislator wants to recriminalize marijuana

Nebraska is one of a few states where possessing less than an ounce of marijuana is effectively decriminalized, carrying only a $100 maximum fine. But State Sen. Russ Karpisek has filed a bill that would recriminalize it by making it a misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a $500 fine. (Though Nebraska's unicameral legislature is elected on a nonpartisan basis, Karpisek is allegedly a Democrat - though you wouldn't know it from his introducing such a right-wing bill.)

"Alcohol is legal for adults, while marijuana is an illegal substance," said Karpisek, explaining why he thinks marijuana should be recriminalized. "It's one of those things us rednecks really get mad about." (He really said that.) Um, marijuana is only an illegal substance if you make it one, genius.

While Karpisek's plan to recriminalize marijuana is laughed at by those of us who aren't afraid of reason and science, a few right-wing prosecutors and moral panic types are all for it. One prohibitionist big shot laughably whimpered, "Current law is too lenient. ... Our kids are growing up in a culture that really normalizes the use of marijuana."

It's unknown if this moronic bill has passed yet or if it's gotten laughed down to nothing. But, man, the stupidity of its supporters is downright dangerous! This is the type of "thinking" that's made the moral panic types look for stoners and "dry druggies" under every bed, and in other states it's ruined a lot of lives for nothing by imposing draconian prison terms.

(Source: http://stopthedrugwar.org/chronicle/519/nebraska_marijuana_recriminalize_decriminalize?&print)