Weeding out even more innocent people

Gov. Mike Pence has expressed concern that the criminal sentencing bill currently in the state legislature included penalties for marijuana-related crimes that were not strict enough.

The state senate’s Corrections and Criminal Law Committee then voted to increase the harshness of those penalties.

If passed, the bill would make it a felony to be in possession of more than a third of an ounce of marijuana.

A conviction would result in a prison sentence of at least six months.

This board must ask, as we so often do, how our state legislators could possibly justify such a ridiculous action.

It’s certainly not public opinion.

For several decades there has been a consistent increase in the number of Americans who support legalization, so much so that a majority is now in favor.

So far 18 states and the District of Columbia have legalized the use marijuana for medical purposes, and last November two of those states voted via referendum to legalize recreational use.

It’s also definitely not law enforcement.

The superintendent of state police said last year that he is in favor of complete legalization of marijuana and thinks it should be taxed by the state.

Given the fact that one broad goal of the bill in question is to reduce the number of convicted criminals in prison through work-release programs, the increased penalties appear even more absurd.

There is simply no reason to increase the number of felons in the state, especially for what is almost universally considered a victimless crime.

We consider the painful consequences of a felony conviction unsuitable for such an inconsequential crime.

And finally, it is without a doubt not based in science.

Research has consistently shown that cannabis has valuable therapeutic effects, including pain relief, treating glaucoma and dealing with nausea.

Marijuana use has also been shown to be unassociated with the cancer risks that come with tobacco use.

We consider legislation proposed by Sen. Karen Tallian, D-Portage, a much more reasonable solution. Her bill would make possession of under two ounces a mere infraction, much like a traffic ticket.

The harsh penalties in this bill are a thoughtless gesture by scientifically illiterate lawmakers who want to appear tough on crime.

We believe it’s time for the state to end its outdated and backward policies on marijuana use and instead move in the same common-sense direction as the rest of the nation.