Jason Cunningham / Entertainment Editor
If students were walking on campus last Thursday outside of Memorial Hall, they may have seen several students displaying a giant sign supporting the marijuana decriminalization bill, SB 349, as well as the complete legalization of the drug.
The activists, some of which have previously attended demonstrations in support of the bill, said they wanted to spread awareness to the student body about what they feel are injustices found within our current marijuana laws.
“We’re doing this because nothing is ever done. The prohibition of marijuana is a waste of time. People shouldn’t get arrested for the possession of it because so many people smoke it,” said CCSU student Brendan Meehan, a pro-marijuana activist.
The bill, which recently passed 24-14 in the legislature’s Joint Judiciary Committee after being amended to exclude minors, will ensure that anyone caught with one half ounce or less of the drug will only be punished with a maximum $121 fine. Some supporters of the bill say that decriminalization isn’t enough.
“It’s ridiculous that pot is illegal today,” said CCSU student Sarah Ford. “Historically, it only continued racism. It was meant to criminalize people. Prior to its illegalization it was perfectly acceptable. It was used in various religious ceremonies, as a medicine sold in pharmacies – even one of our first flags was made from it.”
The activists also expressed anger towards Gov. M. Jodi Rell for her opposition to the decriminalization bill, as well as he opposition to the medical marijuana bill that she vetoed in 2007.
“Regardless of whether or not the bill passes we need to continue to fight the good fight. Drinking alcohol is worse than smoking pot, but that’s still legal, so why not pot?” Ford asked.
Under current law, possession of marijuana in Connecticut of under four ounces can lead up to one year in jail and up to a $1,000 fine for a first offense, up to five years in jail and a $3,000 fine for a second offense.
The protesting student argued that they don’t want to be arrested for possession of marijuana, when they believe that the drug should be legal to begin with.
The group encouraged all who were interested to join them and others on April 20 for a peaceful demonstration at Bushnell Park in support of the bill.
The group NORML Connecticut, who was recently featured on several local news broadcasts earlier this month for a small demonstration, is organizing the event.
