Woman convicted for letting toddler smoke pot

[BIG_DADDY]

By CLAIR JOHNSON
Of The Gazette Staff

A federal judge this week convicted a Gardiner woman who encouraged her toddler daughter to smoke marijuana.

U.S. District Judge Richard Cebull Wednesday found Jessica Durham, 23, guilty of distributing marijuana to a person under the age of 18 years.

Durham will be sentenced April 20 by Senior U.S. District Judge Jack Shanstrom. She faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

OUCH, Why don't they just kill her?

[ChiefsFanatik88]

By CLAIR JOHNSON
Of The Gazette Staff

A federal judge this week convicted a Gardiner woman who encouraged her toddler daughter to smoke marijuana.

U.S. District Judge Richard Cebull Wednesday found Jessica Durham, 23, guilty of distributing marijuana to a person under the age of 18 years.

Durham will be sentenced April 20 by Senior U.S. District Judge Jack Shanstrom. She faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

OUCH, Why don't they just kill her?

Yea, Then it would save us taxpayers some money.

[BIG_DADDY]

I don't know where they come up with these sentences. Our legal system is getting truly scary. You could get in less trouble killing someone.

[Iowanian]

She should have her gultch welded shut with a blow torch for giving dope to a toddler.

This is probably material for the "pot is great" thread.

[Bowser]

She definitely needs a good ass kicking. How old was the toddler (like it matters)?

[Iowanian]

I think a toddler would be under 3-4 years old.

Mj obviously didn't affect this woman's thought process.
She was probably just Expanding the Toddler's mind, so he could enjoy fingerpainting more.

[Kris Kringle]

I don't know where they come up with these sentences. Our legal system is getting truly scary. You could get in less trouble killing someone. I totally agree. Sentences for killing someone should be much, much stiffer and carried out completely. No parol at all. Good point BD.

[BIG_DADDY]

She definitely needs a good ass kicking. How old was the toddler (like it matters)?

I agree, locking her up for 10 years is ridiculous though just kick her ass and take her kid. Almost anything would be better than this. Like I said before I could kill somebody and not be in that much trouble.

[tk13]

Well I don't know if they should throw her in prison for that long, but the crime is certainly stupid enough to win the dumbass of the week award. Then again, maybe someone that stupid doesn't need to be out mingling with the general public anyway....

[Bowser]

I think a toddler would be under 3-4 years old.

Mj obviously didn't affect this woman's thought process.

Well, if the hippie lettuce didn't affect it, 10 years of prison rape should.

[MichaelH]

I don't know where they come up with these sentences. Our legal system is getting truly scary. You could get in less trouble killing someone.

I don't condone what the woman did at all but you're right. My sister lived with this asshole from West Virginia. He was the stereotypical hillbilly. He beat her up one night because she put on some makeup and went out with her friends. He broke her ribs, cracked her eye socket and bruised most of her body. If my niece hadn't come home early from work and saw the fight, he might have killed her. He was convicted and spent four (4) months in jail. :shake:

[Bowser]

Like I said before I could kill somebody and not be in that much trouble.

That's probablly pathetically true.

[Donger]

I don't condone what the woman did at all but you're right. My sister lived with this asshole from West Virginia. He was the stereotypical hillbilly. He beat her up one night because she put on some makeup and went out with her friends. He broke her ribs, cracked her eye socket and bruised most of her body. If my niece hadn't come home early from work and saw the fight, he might have killed her. He was convicted and spent four (4) months in jail. :shake:

That'd be one room temperature hillbilly if that had happened to my little sister.

[ZepSinger]

She definitely needs a good ass kicking. How old was the toddler (like it matters)?

Well, ya gotta guesstimate that if she's irresponsible enough to do this, what else is she capable of?

This is the kind of mom who locks their kid in a hot car to die while they're gettin' high in a motel room.

I think a more constructive option is to put the child in a good home immediately. Make mom serve 2-3 years, no probation. Then, after months of counseling and some promising about-face on her part, maybe let her try it again.
IMO

Z

[go bo]

I don't know where they come up with these sentences. Our legal system is getting truly scary. You could get in less trouble killing someone.unless i'm mistaken, sentences in federal court are determined by the charge a person is convicted of, based on a mandatory sentencing guidelines by congress (and not the courts)...

drug crimes involving minors are treated very harshly under those guidelines because that's the way they were written by congress...

it's all too often true, imo, that a drug offender will get a longer sentence than a violent criminal, particularly in federal court...

[Boardin Bronco]

I don't condone what the woman did at all but you're right. My sister lived with this asshole from West Virginia. He was the stereotypical hillbilly. He beat her up one night because she put on some makeup and went out with her friends. He broke her ribs, cracked her eye socket and bruised most of her body. If my niece hadn't come home early from work and saw the fight, he might have killed her. He was convicted and spent four (4) months in jail. :shake:

Inconsistencies in the justice system are quite common in this country.

Just look at this past year, former Governor Bill Janklow of South Dakota got sentenced to 100 days in jail for speeding through a stop sign and killing a motorcyclist. He was convicted of second degree manslaughter. He was a notorious and repeat violator of speeding laws.

I don't have any remorse for Martha Stewart but she got five months in prision, five months of house arrest and a $30,000 fine for stock fraud.

By the way, Janklow was only fined $10,540.

[Over-Head]

DAMN!! I shoulda listened to TK,,,it was only a "harmless" thread about it :(

[Iowanian]

I kind of doubt this is the first offense by this woman.........and I'm guessing its a little more than "can't she just smoke a doob, innocently in her own private home".

She won't be doing that much time. A guy in my hometown robbed a bank, armed, escaped from jail and was shot........sentenced to 13 years and spent about 1 1/2.

Her kid should be taken away permanently. Hopefully she didn't take drugs during pregnancy and make the kid mentally retarded.

[Lzen]

Eh, I agree that murderers get off with too short sentences a lot of times. But as far as this woman, I have absolutely no sympathy for her. What a dumb bitch. Pathetic. :shake:

[Skip Towne]

hey can take her kid but she'll just have 5 more.

[Iowanian]

Not if they weld her moneymaker shut.

[beavis]

She won't be doing that much time. A guy in my hometown robbed a bank, armed, escaped from jail and was shot........sentenced to 13 years and spent about 1 1/2.
It's a federal court. She'll be doing most, if not all of her time.

[go bo]

. . .
Mj obviously didn't affect this woman's thought process.
. . .it probably didn't...

the woman is nuts, obviously...

but out of the tens of millions who smoke chronic, one nut does something stupid and you want to blame it on the chronic? :shake:

although it's hard to argue that chronic doesn't affect a person's thought process in general... :D

btw, giving any mind altering substance to any child is particularly dangerous because the child's brain is still developing, so the long sentence for the mother isn't necessarily a bad thing...

and she probably needs treatment for her obvious mental condition while she's in the big house...

[alpha_omega]

...<sarcasm>...let the kid get a job and buy her own weed </sarcasm>...

[alpha_omega]

......let the kid get a job and buy her own weed ...

...he said with a sense of sarcasm!!!!!

[BIG_DADDY]

[QUOTE=go bo]it probably didn't...

the woman is nuts, obviously...

but out of the tens of millions who smoke chronic, one nut does something stupid and you want to blame it on the chronic? :shake:

[QUOTE]

Thank you.

[go bo]

I kind of doubt this is the first offense by this woman.........and I'm guessing its a little more than "can't she just smoke a doob, innocently in her own private home".

She won't be doing that much time. A guy in my hometown robbed a bank, armed, escaped from jail and was shot........sentenced to 13 years and spent about 1 1/2.

Her kid should be taken away permanently. Hopefully she didn't take drugs during pregnancy and make the kid mentally retarded.there's no such thing as smoking "innocently" when it involves a child, wherever it is...

at least that crazy bitch will do a lot longer than a year and a half...

and i agree that the kid should be taken away immediately, but the stupid "justice" system will get it all screwed up somehow or another...

[siberian khatru]

C'mon, the kid probably had glaucoma. She needed the weed. Heartless bastards.

[go bo]

C'mon, the kid probably had glaucoma. She needed the weed. Heartless bastards.:clap: :clap: :clap:

[Iowanian]

Kids should be able to get a roach with their school breakfast. Its great for developing thier minds.

I think she should have been drown in the Court Toilet for turning her toddler into Cheech.

[Kris Kringle]

This is the kind of mom who locks their kid in a hot car to die while they're gettin' high in a motel room. This is what illegal drugs do to good people. They make them do terribly stupid things. That's why they are illegal. It makes perfect sense really.

For that lady to get a 10 year sentence, she probably has a wrap sheet of stupidity that the story doesn't tell us. I'm sure this isn't her first offence.

[Kris Kringle]

I kind of doubt this is the first offense by this woman.........and I'm guessing its a little more than "can't she just smoke a doob, innocently in her own private home".

She won't be doing that much time. A guy in my hometown robbed a bank, armed, escaped from jail and was shot........sentenced to 13 years and spent about 1 1/2.

Her kid should be taken away permanently. Hopefully she didn't take drugs during pregnancy and make the kid mentally retarded. Most of those who support the legalisation of Mary Jane are wondering why this is such a big deal. They think that MJ is harmless, so what is the big deal if the kid took a puff or two. :shake:

[go bo]

Kids should be able to get a roach with their school breakfast. Its great for developing thier minds.

I think she should have been drown in the Court Toilet for turning her toddler into Cheech.i agree with you on both counts...

but as far as kids getting roaches at school, it's disturbing to see how young some kids are that smoke pot (or drink) on a regular basis...

i think i've read where it's down into most junior highs (at least in larger metropolitan areas) and even into 5th and 6th grade in some cities...

that's one reason congress has made the sentencing guidelines so tough in cases involving drugs and kids...

unfortunately, it doesn't seem to be having much effect...

[Calcountry]

it probably didn't...

the woman is nuts, obviously...

but out of the tens of millions who smoke chronic, one nut does something stupid and you want to blame it on the chronic? :shake:

although it's hard to argue that chronic doesn't affect a person's thought process in general... :D

btw, giving any mind altering substance to any child is particularly dangerous because the child's brain is still developing, so the long sentence for the mother isn't necessarily a bad thing...

and she probably needs treatment for her obvious mental condition while she's in the big house...
One can only wonder when the brain stops developing and it becomes o.k. to smoke pot?

[MOhillbilly]

we should really save taxpayer money and Stone her.

[Iowanian]

so even the Ropers, agree this is wrong. Good.

Now........Riddle me this.
How old should that toddler be, before its ok for his/her mom/dad to give him/her a doobie and it be "alright"?

10?12?14?16?18?21?

[Iowanian]

When some one night stand shows up, and SUPRISE, you've got a 10 year old Delt.....

When do you let Jr Have a drink of beer? Hit your bong?

[BIG_DADDY]

so even the Ropers, agree this is wrong. Good.

Now........Riddle me this.
How old should that toddler be, before its ok for his/her mom/dad to give him/her a doobie and it be "alright"?

10?12?14?16?18?21?

My issue is with the sentence which is beyond ridiculous. 16 should be the age for everything from consensual sex to drinking, smoking or toking. JMO We are a bunch of damn pilgram's in this country it's freakin stupid.

[Iowanian]

Thanks for an honest answer BD.

Personally, I think 18 for all of it.
If you're old enough to fight for your country...you're old enough to drink a beer.



As to the issue of the length of sentence. How much damage to the kids brain, motor skills, well being, neglect or whatever is acceptable? Lets say she knocked a single IQ point off the kid? how much time is that worth?

Personally, I really don't care what other adults chose to do with/to their own bodies.........but when they hurt a kid........I'm for midevil treatment.

[go bo]

One can only wonder when the brain stops developing and it becomes o.k. to smoke pot?i can't recall the specifics but i think there's some pretty good science on human development, and i think that there is a point at which organic deveopment does stop...

but that isn't really the issue, imo...

it's like tobacco and alcohol, people are gonna do it whether it's legal or not...

and at some point, every individual is going to choose whether or not to use tobbaco, alchol or other subtances...

under out legal system, a person is allowed that choice at a certain age (except for pot, of course)...

my point is, i think, that the evidence seems to suggest that tens of millions of people in america choose to use pot and those people are gonna continue to make that choice just like they have been doing...

it's like drinking during prohibition, people still drank...

making it illegal (of keeping it illegal) doesn't change people's behavior when it comes to their pleasures, so maybe like alcohol, pot should be legalized and regulated...

and taxed... :D :D :D

[Kris Kringle]

My issue is with the sentence which is beyond ridiculous. 16 should be the age for everything from consensual sex to drinking, smoking or toking. JMO We are a bunch of damn pilgram's in this country it's freakin stupid.

Just out of curiosity.......why 16? Why not 14? Why not 21? Why not 12? Why not 25? I'm not arguing with you. Just wondering where your logic comes from.

[go bo]

we should really save taxpayer money and Stone her.that's the trouble, she's been stoned too much... :p :p :p

[Kris Kringle]

My issue is with the sentence which is beyond ridiculous. 16 should be the age for everything from consensual sex to drinking, smoking or toking. JMO We are a bunch of damn pilgram's in this country it's freakin stupid. Oh......and, by the way.......what do you have against the Pilgrims? Are you offended by those hats and belt buckles? :p

[MOhillbilly]

When some one night stand shows up, and SUPRISE, you've got a 10 year old Delt.....

When do you let Jr Have a drink of beer? Hit your bong?

chances are if mom and dad do it kids will follow.

[go bo]

That all depends... did Jr. bring beer & pot with him? I'm not much for freeloaders.ROFL ROFL ROFL

i know you're probably dead serious, but that is still funny... :) :) :)

[MOhillbilly]

that's the trouble, she's been stoned too much... :p :p :p


then they should hit her w/ a Brick.....

[go bo]

My issue is with the sentence which is beyond ridiculous. 16 should be the age for everything from consensual sex to drinking, smoking or toking. JMO We are a bunch of damn pilgram's in this country it's freakin stupid.it might as well be 16 most places...

by then, they're probably already doing it if they're going to...

[go bo]

then they should hit her w/ a Brick.....:thumb: :thumb: :thumb:

[Mr. Kotter]

Uh, no. I do not honestly want a 10 year old to show up at my door w/ a 30-pack and an ounce.

I don't know; you post something like that without a smiley....even with a smiley....and people should be free to assume you are serious. Ask Zach.

[go bo]

Uh, no. I do not honestly want a 10 year old to show up at my door w/ a 30-pack and an ounce.i know you were joking about it being a kid...

i was just trying to kid you about the part where you said you don't like freeloaders...

but i have to admit, i wouldn't mind seeing somebody show up with a sixer and a couple of doobies right now... :p :p :p

[BIG_DADDY]

Just out of curiosity.......why 16? Why not 14? Why not 21? Why not 12? Why not 25? I'm not arguing with you. Just wondering where your logic comes from.

I could go lower but I think by the age 16 you are considered old enough to have consensual sex in most countries. If you are considered old enough for that you should be able to do whatever else you want. Hell I moved out at 16 had my own place and everything. I was old enough to run my life then and I think others can as well. Some people will never mature but you have to pick a spot somewhere that's why I say 16.

[MOhillbilly]

those of us who were raised w/ smokers were passed joints at a young age,not because they wanted us to smoke,but because they were stoned.
didnt stop us from stealing our parents stash by 12 though.

[go bo]

I don't know; you post something like that without a smiley....even with a smiley....and people should be free to assume you are serious. Ask Zach.something like that?

that kids should bring their own beer and such? have you ever written anything like that?

apples to oranges...

besides, some people you can tell when they're joking and some people you just don't know for sure...

[siberian khatru]

those of us who were raised w/ smokers were passed joints at a young age,not because they wanted us to smoke,but because they were stoned.
didnt stop us from stealing our parents stash by 12 though.

Reminds me: When I was 12 my Dad took me to a Jackson Browne concert. We sat with a bunch of his friends from work, who proceeded to pass a joint up and down the row. My Dad, attempting to set a modicum of parental example, declined to take a hit. He also leaned over to me and said "If you intercept that I'll kill you."

I was honored that I was considered cool enough to even be there. One of Dad's friends, a guy and his wife, were big-time Deadheads, and they thought enough of me (and that JB concert) that for my 13th birthday they took me to Charlotte, N.C. (I lived in Winston-Salem) to see the Grateful Dead.

[Mr. Kotter]

....besides, some people you can tell when they're joking and some people you just don't know for sure...

I know, I know. :banghead:

[RedNFeisty]

Don't smoke around your kids, stupid idiot, let alone give it to them. See, this is why marijuana is illegal, because of stupid shit like this

[Abba-Dabba]

Don't smoke around your kids, stupid idiot, let alone give it to them. See, this is why marijuana is illegal, because of stupid shit like this

I agree, don't smoke around your kids and definately don't give it to them. She should spend some time in jail and not have access to her children until she has proven responsible behavior.

But, that is not the reason marijuana is illegal.

[Eleazar]

The statement that you could kill someone and be in less trouble may be correct.

But, that isn't the issue. This woman's punishment is not too severe, the penalties for killing someone are too weak.

[RedNFeisty]

I agree, don't smoke around your kids and definately don't give it to them. She should spend some time in jail and not have access to her children until she has proven responsible behavior.

But, that is not the reason marijuana is illegal.


Certainly this is one of the reasons. High society people do not wish to have a bunch of stoner's running around doing stupid shit like this. It ruins the country. That is the take I have gotten from listening to people and there stances on issues such as this. It is a stereotype just like any other.

[Skip Towne]

That's complete horseshit.
So are most of his posts.

[DanT]

Here's the rest of the news story, from the Billings (MT) Gazette.

http://www.billingsgazette.com/index.php?ts=1&display=rednews/2005/01/14/build/local/30-toddler-pot.inc

Crime photographed

Cebull's ruling comes after a one-day bench trial on Oct. 27 in which a key prosecution witness described how she photographed Durham holding a water pipe while her 18-month-old daughter put her mouth over the top. The water pipe, called a bong, allows smoke to be drawn through water into a glass tube and inhaled.

The witness, Brandi Nichols of Gardiner, turned Durham in to authorities along with the photographs. The photographs were entered as evidence.

Durham did not testify at her trial, and the defense called no witnesses.

Defense attorneys Robin Hammond and Zachary Cain argued that there was no proof that marijuana was in the bong. And they suggested that the photographs could be of Durham taking away the bong rather than offering it to her toddler.

Further, the attorneys said Nichols, an admitted marijuana user with a felony drug conviction, was not a credible witness. And they questioned whether the case was distribution within the meaning of the statute.

Cebull ruled that distribution does not need to be for pay or profit. The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has held that sharing of drugs constituted distribution, his order said.



Witness credible

Cebull also found that Nichols' testimony as a witness was credible.

"Brandi Nichols stated she saw (Durham) light and give a water bong to her daughter … to inhale. Brandi testified that she smoked from the bong as well and that from her knowledge and experience with marijuana, the bong contained marijuana,'' the judge said.

Nichols testified at trial that she and Durham, whom she had helped move to Montana in the fall of 2003, had smoked marijuana "a good handful'' of times at Durham's residence in Gardiner.

In early February 2004, Durham, who was estranged from her husband, was moving to Washington with her mother. Nichols testified that she was helping Durham pack on Feb. 3 when she entered Durham's residence, hugged the toddler and sat on the couch. Next to the couch was a 2-foot-tall bong.

Nichols said the toddler ran for the bong and that she tried to wave her away. "She threw the only fit I've ever seen her throw,'' she said.

Durham told Nichols that her daughter wanted the bong and proceeded to light the residue in the pipe. Nichols said Durham sucked marijuana smoke up through the water into the pipe and gave the bong to her daughter. "She (the toddler) put her mouth on it and took a big hit,'' Nichols said.

Nichols then took a turn inhaling from the pipe, Durham smoked again and gave her baby the pipe again. Nichols testified that she got a buzz off the smoke, went outside and got sick. "I was freaking out,'' she testified.

Nichols went home upset at what she saw and told her boyfriend what had happened. He told her to go back and take photographs because "nobody would believe us,'' Nichols said.

Nichols returned with a digital camera. Durham, she said, suggested it would be "cool'' if they had pictures of the baby smoking a bong and that she wanted to send a picture to High Times, a marijuana magazine.

At trial, Assistant U.S. Attorney Marcia Hurd displayed a series of pictures taken by Nichols. One showed a little girl in a pink Winnie the Pooh shirt and pants and Tigger slippers holding onto the bong with her hand and face close to the top of the pipe. Durham was seated on a couch smiling and holding the pipe with one hand.

Nichols testified that Durham told her she let her child smoke marijuana because she wasn't eating or sleeping enough.

Nichols said that after Durham left, she called her former state probation officer, whom she trusted, told her what happened and e-mailed her the photographs. She also reported the incident to the Livingston Police Department.

Law enforcement officers arrested Durham in Butte, where her vehicle had broken down, and placed the toddler in foster care. The child has since been placed with relatives.

A test of the toddler's urine seven days after she allegedly smoked marijuana was negative for the drug, witnesses said.

Denver Cobb, a detective with the Missouri River Drug Task Force in Park County, testified that in an interview after her arrest, Durham initially denied letting her baby smoke marijuana. Then, Durham told him that she let her baby "take no more than five hits,'' he said.

[Thig Lyfe]

marijuana.


FOOOO CHIT!

[Deberg_1990]

Well this certainly killed the "Weed Smokers Only" Thread....

[DanT]

If the country is gonna start cracking down on toddlers playing with bongs, then now might be a good time to dump Frito-Lays stock from your portfolio:
http://www.taquitos.net/dbimages13/Funyuns.jpg

[Sideburn]

Certainly this is one of the reasons. High society people do not wish to have a bunch of stoner's running around doing stupid shit like this. It ruins the country. That is the take I have gotten from listening to people and there stances on issues such as this. It is a stereotype just like any other.
It's illegal because in the 20's the gov't thought it was a surefire way to stop the Illegal immigration problem plauging the Southwest. People hated Mexicans, mexicans smoked weed, weed was banned. Report after report showed that weed didn't cause this and cause that despite what Anslinger and the dept. of Treasury was throwing out there. Then, the populace starting to realize the lies, started to change their mind on weed. Thats when the propaganda blitz began. Reefer madness and such. The rest is history.

Edit: Oh, and this lady deserves to have her kid taken away. The kids mind is still developing. "Just 5 hits" is enough to set the kid back a few months in motor skills development.

[DanT]

One thing my Dad taught me was, "never trust a rat".

[Sideburn]

Should have given the kid one of these instead. Could have disguised it as a baseball bat or something.

[Skip Towne]

It's illegal because in the 20's the gov't thought it was a surefire way to stop the Illegal immigration problem plauging the Southwest. People hated Mexicans, mexicans smoked weed, weed was banned. Report after report showed that weed didn't cause this and cause that despite what Anslinger and the dept. of Treasury was throwing out there. Then, the populace starting to realize the lies, started to change their mind on weed. Thats when the propaganda blitz began. Reefer madness and such. The rest is history.

Edit: Oh, and this lady deserves to have her kid taken away. The kids mind is still developing. "Just 5 hits" is enough to set the kid back a few months in motor skills development.
Can you document what I have put in bold?

[Sideburn]

Can you document what I have put in bold?
No, I'm pretty sure there isn't a group of scientists out there getting 18 month old babies stoned and studying the effects. :rolleyes:

But, I can assume from personal experience the effects that Marijuana could have on a developing 18 month old brain. What are the two things that Marijuana effects the most? 1) Short term memory. 2) Motor skills. There is no way that you can tell me there are no damaging effects on an 18th month old from Marijuana.

Now if you want to argue the legality issue of Marijauna, fine, whatever. But as far as effects on a developing mind, it's an open and shut case with me. BTW, I am a toker, and just like many things it should be enjoyed responsibly by adults. And by adults I mean post pubescent.

[Phobia]

No, I'm pretty sure there isn't a group of scientists out there getting 18 month old babies stoned and studying the effects. :rolleyes:

Dude, will you please stop by the following thread and say "hello". That would be great:

http://www.chiefsplanet.com/BB/showthread.php?t=108574

[Skip Towne]

No, I'm pretty sure there isn't a group of scientists out there getting 18 month old babies stoned and studying the effects. :rolleyes:

But, I can assume from personal experience the effects that Marijuana could have on a developing 18 month old brain. What are the two things that Marijuana effects the most? 1) Short term memory. 2) Motor skills. There is no way that you can tell me there are no damaging effects on an 18th month old from Marijuana.

Now if you want to argue the legality issue of Marijauna, fine, whatever. But as far as effects on a developing mind, it's an open and shut case with me. BTW, I am a toker, and just like many things it should be enjoyed responsibly by adults. And by adults I mean post pubescent.
Just as I thought. You are spouting bullshit that is "your opinion". That has no credibility whatsoever.

[Jenson71]

"It's okay officer, she didn't inhale."

[bogie]

Most of those who support the legalisation of Mary Jane are wondering why this is such a big deal. They think that MJ is harmless, so what is the big deal if the kid took a puff or two. :shake:

Haven't read the whole thread yet. Just wanted to take a second to "You are stupid". That is all.

[Sideburn]

Just as I thought. You are spouting bullshit that is "your opinion". That has no credibility whatsoever.
So are you saying that Marijuana has no ill effects what-so-ever on a developing 18 month old brain? If so, please provide documentation. Just like a stated, not to many scientists running around doing studies on the effects of Marijuana on 18 month olds. We know their brains are developing at that age. We know Marijuana stunts short term memory and motor skills functions.

Here. Here is some documentation for you.
http://www.nida.nih.gov/Infofax/marijuana.html

Key excerpt: Effects on the Brain

Scientists have learned a great deal about how THC acts in the brain to produce its many effects. When someone smokes marijuana, THC rapidly passes from the lungs into the bloodstream, which carries the chemical to organs throughout the body, including the brain.

In the brain, THC connects to specific sites called cannabinoid receptors on nerve cells and influences the activity of those cells. Some brain areas have many cannabinoid receptors; others have few or none. Many cannabinoid receptors are found in the parts of the brain that influence pleasure, memory, thought, concentration, sensory and time perception, and coordinated movement(5).

The short-term effects of marijuana can include problems with memory and learning; distorted perception; difficulty in thinking and problem solving; loss of coordination; and increased heart rate. Research findings for long-term marijuana use indicate some changes in the brain similar to those seen after long-term use of other major drugs of abuse. For example, cannabinoid (THC or synthetic forms of THC) withdrawal in chronically exposed animals leads to an increase in the activation of the stress-response system(6) and changes in the activity of nerve cells containing dopamine(7). Dopamine neurons are involved in the regulation of motivation and reward, and are directly or indirectly affected by all drugs of abuse.

[Iowanian]

"I don't see the problem officer....it wasn't like she was making a mess....it was a sippy bong"

[Skip Towne]

So are you saying that Marijuana has no ill effects what-so-ever on a developing 18 month old brain? If so, please provide documentation. Just like a stated, not to many scientists running around doing studies on the effects of Marijuana on 18 month olds. We know their brains are developing at that age. We know Marijuana stunts short term memory and motor skills functions.

Here. Here is some documentation for you.
http://www.nida.nih.gov/Infofax/marijuana.html

Key excerpt: Effects on the Brain

Scientists have learned a great deal about how THC acts in the brain to produce its many effects. When someone smokes marijuana, THC rapidly passes from the lungs into the bloodstream, which carries the chemical to organs throughout the body, including the brain.

In the brain, THC connects to specific sites called cannabinoid receptors on nerve cells and influences the activity of those cells. Some brain areas have many cannabinoid receptors; others have few or none. Many cannabinoid receptors are found in the parts of the brain that influence pleasure, memory, thought, concentration, sensory and time perception, and coordinated movement(5).

The short-term effects of marijuana can include problems with memory and learning; distorted perception; difficulty in thinking and problem solving; loss of coordination; and increased heart rate. Research findings for long-term marijuana use indicate some changes in the brain similar to those seen after long-term use of other major drugs of abuse. For example, cannabinoid (THC or synthetic forms of THC) withdrawal in chronically exposed animals leads to an increase in the activation of the stress-response system(6) and changes in the activity of nerve cells containing dopamine(7). Dopamine neurons are involved in the regulation of motivation and reward, and are directly or indirectly affected by all drugs of abuse.
There is a study quoted in the "Weed thread" where the conclusion was that MJ did not kill brain cells. I have never seen any study that says MJ "stunts" anything. You just make up shit as you go along it seems.

[Sideburn]

There is a study quoted in the "Weed thread" where the conclusion was that MJ did not kill brain cells. I have never seen any study that says MJ "stunts" anything. You just make up shit as you go along it seems.
Apparently you don't know when to give up do you. You can sit here and pretend in your hazy world that you are right. But it is FACT that Marijuana effects the brain. I used to pull out the brain cell arguement when I'd argue with people about weed too. It doesn't hold up. There are too many potheads out there that are walking proof of Marijuana effecting the brain. Now, with that being said, I'd really like to see the study that says that brain cells aren't destroyed by toking up. If you want I'll find more "documentation" that will say the same thing as the one above. I think you are trying to turn me into something I'm not. I don't care if you smoke weed, or if anyone else here smokes weed. But what I do care about is a mother of a child, giving something harmful to that developing child. You arguing with me about this after I present factual "documentation" to you only shows me one thing. You are insecure about your own shortcomings and problems in life. For some reason, I struck a cord with the effects of Marijuana. Apparently you feel there are no ill effects from Marijuana. Show ME documentation of that. In case you missed it. I am a pothead. I smoke everyday. But I also have the common sense to know that there are ill effects.

[Skip Towne]

Apparently you don't know when to give up do you. You can sit here and pretend in your hazy world that you are right. But it is FACT that Marijuana effects the brain. I used to pull out the brain cell arguement when I'd argue with people about weed too. It doesn't hold up. There are too many potheads out there that are walking proof of Marijuana effecting the brain. Now, with that being said, I'd really like to see the study that says that brain cells aren't destroyed by toking up. If you want I'll find more "documentation" that will say the same thing as the one above. I think you are trying to turn me into something I'm not. I don't care if you smoke weed, or if anyone else here smokes weed. But what I do care about is a mother of a child, giving something harmful to that developing child. You arguing with me about this after I present factual "documentation" to you only shows me one thing. You are insecure about your own shortcomings and problems in life. For some reason, I struck a cord with the effects of Marijuana. Apparently you feel there are no ill effects from Marijuana. Show ME documentation of that. In case you missed it. I am a pothead. I smoke everyday. But I also have the common sense to know that there are ill effects.
You're the one who is an idiot. You come on here spouting absolute bullshit and expect us to swallow your uninformed opinion. I have a degree in Psychology and have read a lot on the subject. I've also smoked it for 35 years. Your arguments have been debunked years ago. Of course you are aware that several states have legalized it for medicinal purposes and it is totally legal in several countries. You need somebody stupid to argue with I'm done plowing old ground with you.

[el borracho]

so even the Ropers, agree this is wrong. Good.

Now........Riddle me this.
How old should that toddler be, before its ok for his/her mom/dad to give him/her a doobie and it be "alright"?

10?12?14?16?18?21?
18, the same age at which one can buy and use tobacco products.

[Inspector]

This is what illegal drugs do to good people. They make them do terribly stupid things. That's why they are illegal. It makes perfect sense really.

For that lady to get a 10 year sentence, she probably has a wrap sheet of stupidity that the story doesn't tell us. I'm sure this isn't her first offence.

Wouldn't surprise me if she was just plain old stupid regardless of the substance abuse issue. Also wouldn't surprise me if she has given the baby booze and cigs.

On second thought, I bet booze and cigs make people do dumb crap like this. Otherwise they would be normal, intelligent human beings.

Pot should be legal, but what this nut did should get her in serious trouble. This is an example of what our prisons should be used for - not the whole prisoner of war deal. (drug war)

IMO of course.

[Inspector]

Thanks for an honest answer BD.

Personally, I think 18 for all of it.
If you're old enough to fight for your country...you're old enough to drink a beer.



As to the issue of the length of sentence. How much damage to the kids brain, motor skills, well being, neglect or whatever is acceptable? Lets say she knocked a single IQ point off the kid? how much time is that worth?

Personally, I really don't care what other adults chose to do with/to their own bodies.........but when they hurt a kid........I'm for midevil treatment.



:clap: :clap:

[mikey23545]

You're the one who is an idiot. You come on here spouting absolute bullshit and expect us to swallow your uninformed opinion. I have a degree in Psychology and have read a lot on the subject. I've also smoked it for 35 years. Your arguments have been debunked years ago. Of course you are aware that several states have legalized it for medicinal purposes and it is totally legal in several countries. You need somebody stupid to argue with I'm done plowing old ground with you.

It is indeed ironic that you could state that you have smoked weed for 35 years and see no reason to believe it affects a person's mental capacity....


ROFL

[chiefs4me]

You're the one who is an idiot. You come on here spouting absolute bullshit and expect us to swallow your uninformed opinion. I have a degree in Psychology and have read a lot on the subject. I've also smoked it for 35 years. Your arguments have been debunked years ago. Of course you are aware that several states have legalized it for medicinal purposes and it is totally legal in several countries. You need somebody stupid to argue with I'm done plowing old ground with you.


Gosh Skip,,you started late in life,,ROFL

[Jenson71]

It is indeed ironic that you could state that you have smoked weed for 35 years and see no reason to believe it affects a person's mental capacity....


ROFL

ROFL

Ouch. That really is good stuff.

[chiefs4me]

It is indeed ironic that you could state that you have smoked weed for 35 years and see no reason to believe it affects a person's mental capacity....


ROFL



huh,,ROFL ROFL ROFL

[Ultra Peanut]

This is what illegal drugs do to good people. They make them do terribly stupid things. That's why they are illegal. It makes perfect sense really.

For that lady to get a 10 year sentence, she probably has a wrap sheet of stupidity that the story doesn't tell us. I'm sure this isn't her first offence.Nice
<img src="http://www.kidsdomain.com/holiday/fall/clip/scarecrow.gif" style="width: 166px; height: 200px; border: 0" alt="" />.

If you only had a brain!

[CosmicPal]

Here. Here is some documentation for you.
http://www.nida.nih.gov/Infofax/marijuana.html

Key excerpt: Effects on the Brain

Scientists have learned a great deal about how THC acts in the brain to produce its many effects. When someone smokes marijuana, THC rapidly passes from the lungs into the bloodstream, which carries the chemical to organs throughout the body, including the brain.

In the brain, THC connects to specific sites called cannabinoid receptors on nerve cells and influences the activity of those cells. Some brain areas have many cannabinoid receptors; others have few or none. Many cannabinoid receptors are found in the parts of the brain that influence pleasure, memory, thought, concentration, sensory and time perception, and coordinated movement(5).

The short-term effects of marijuana can include problems with memory and learning; distorted perception; difficulty in thinking and problem solving; loss of coordination; and increased heart rate. Research findings for long-term marijuana use indicate some changes in the brain similar to those seen after long-term use of other major drugs of abuse. For example, cannabinoid (THC or synthetic forms of THC) withdrawal in chronically exposed animals leads to an increase in the activation of the stress-response system(6) and changes in the activity of nerve cells containing dopamine(7). Dopamine neurons are involved in the regulation of motivation and reward, and are directly or indirectly affected by all drugs of abuse.

Whoa, man...that's heavy. I had to read the damn thing several times 'cause I would forget what they were saying, and I just had trouble thinking, and then my dog came up to me and held out two paws and that kind of distracted me as I thought he was asking me a math question and now I'm all paranoid and unstable and I just forgot what the hell I was talking about and hey, who the phuck took my last slice of pizza dammit.

[BIG_DADDY]

Whoa, man...that's heavy. I had to read the damn thing several times 'cause I would forget what they were saying, and I just had trouble thinking, and then my dog came up to me and held out two paws and that kind of distracted me as I thought he was asking me a math question and now I'm all paranoid and unstable and I just forgot what the hell I was talking about and hey, who the phuck took my last slice of pizza dammit.

ROFL That was freakin great.

[teedubya]

what an idiot bitch... that chick needs her ass killed for doing that to her kid. Unbelieveable.

I dont think anything is wrong with herb, however you need to be at least 18 to partake... I didnt partake until 21... personal preference. But unreal.

Im appalled.

[Braincase]

If she had nuts, I'd call for hooks.

[teedubya]

I had a friend of mine who used to smoke joints on his way up to KC to visit me... i had no prob with that, except for the fact that he sometimes would have his kid in the car with him. I no longer associate with this dumbass.

I rarely smoke, normally when a friend comes by or wuh-eva... but it is ALWAYS late at night... when my 3 year old is in bed. and a towel or blanket is placed under his door so that no waftiness of smoke permeates his room.

No kid should be subjected to that shit... i hate Jessica Durham.

[elvomito]

****, is ritalin better?
why should we.... uh, forgot what i was gonna say

[CrazyHorse]

You're the one who is an idiot. You come on here spouting absolute bullshit and expect us to swallow your uninformed opinion. I have a degree in Psychology and have read a lot on the subject. I've also smoked it for 35 years. Your arguments have been debunked years ago. Of course you are aware that several states have legalized it for medicinal purposes and it is totally legal in several countries. You need somebody stupid to argue with I'm done plowing old ground with you.

A degree in pschology? It's obvious you have fofgotten everything you may have learned. I strongly doubt that you have a degree. You have little ngotiating skill. You are threatened by a weed debate. Also, when you are challenged, you use mental/verbal abuse to make your point.

Perhaps you should burn one. You're being a dick.

[chiefs4me]

A degree in pschology? It's obvious you have fofgotten everything you may have learned. I strongly doubt that you have a degree. You have little ngotiating skill. You are threatened by a weed debate. Also, when you are challenged, you use mental/verbal abuse to make your point.

Perhaps you should burn one. You're being a dick.


What a joke you are,,you just did what you are accusing skip of doing.
Maybe you better go back to school and learn how to spell,,ROFL
I have a degree,, wanna see it?:harumph:

[chiefs4me]

Here's the rest of the news story, from the Billings (MT) Gazette.

http://www.billingsgazette.com/index.php?ts=1&display=rednews/2005/01/14/build/local/30-toddler-pot.inc

Crime photographed

Cebull's ruling comes after a one-day bench trial on Oct. 27 in which a key prosecution witness described how she photographed Durham holding a water pipe while her 18-month-old daughter put her mouth over the top. The water pipe, called a bong, allows smoke to be drawn through water into a glass tube and inhaled.

The witness, Brandi Nichols of Gardiner, turned Durham in to authorities along with the photographs. The photographs were entered as evidence.

Durham did not testify at her trial, and the defense called no witnesses.

Defense attorneys Robin Hammond and Zachary Cain argued that there was no proof that marijuana was in the bong. And they suggested that the photographs could be of Durham taking away the bong rather than offering it to her toddler.

Further, the attorneys said Nichols, an admitted marijuana user with a felony drug conviction, was not a credible witness. And they questioned whether the case was distribution within the meaning of the statute.

Cebull ruled that distribution does not need to be for pay or profit. The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has held that sharing of drugs constituted distribution, his order said.



Witness credible

Cebull also found that Nichols' testimony as a witness was credible.

"Brandi Nichols stated she saw (Durham) light and give a water bong to her daughter … to inhale. Brandi testified that she smoked from the bong as well and that from her knowledge and experience with marijuana, the bong contained marijuana,'' the judge said.

Nichols testified at trial that she and Durham, whom she had helped move to Montana in the fall of 2003, had smoked marijuana "a good handful'' of times at Durham's residence in Gardiner.

In early February 2004, Durham, who was estranged from her husband, was moving to Washington with her mother. Nichols testified that she was helping Durham pack on Feb. 3 when she entered Durham's residence, hugged the toddler and sat on the couch. Next to the couch was a 2-foot-tall bong.

Nichols said the toddler ran for the bong and that she tried to wave her away. "She threw the only fit I've ever seen her throw,'' she said.

Durham told Nichols that her daughter wanted the bong and proceeded to light the residue in the pipe. Nichols said Durham sucked marijuana smoke up through the water into the pipe and gave the bong to her daughter. "She (the toddler) put her mouth on it and took a big hit,'' Nichols said.

Nichols then took a turn inhaling from the pipe, Durham smoked again and gave her baby the pipe again. Nichols testified that she got a buzz off the smoke, went outside and got sick. "I was freaking out,'' she testified.

Nichols went home upset at what she saw and told her boyfriend what had happened. He told her to go back and take photographs because "nobody would believe us,'' Nichols said.

Nichols returned with a digital camera. Durham, she said, suggested it would be "cool'' if they had pictures of the baby smoking a bong and that she wanted to send a picture to High Times, a marijuana magazine.

At trial, Assistant U.S. Attorney Marcia Hurd displayed a series of pictures taken by Nichols. One showed a little girl in a pink Winnie the Pooh shirt and pants and Tigger slippers holding onto the bong with her hand and face close to the top of the pipe. Durham was seated on a couch smiling and holding the pipe with one hand.

Nichols testified that Durham told her she let her child smoke marijuana because she wasn't eating or sleeping enough.

Nichols said that after Durham left, she called her former state probation officer, whom she trusted, told her what happened and e-mailed her the photographs. She also reported the incident to the Livingston Police Department.

Law enforcement officers arrested Durham in Butte, where her vehicle had broken down, and placed the toddler in foster care. The child has since been placed with relatives.

A test of the toddler's urine seven days after she allegedly smoked marijuana was negative for the drug, witnesses said.

Denver Cobb, a detective with the Missouri River Drug Task Force in Park County, testified that in an interview after her arrest, Durham initially denied letting her baby smoke marijuana. Then, Durham told him that she let her baby "take no more than five hits,'' he said.




I am really curious as to why this small child did not test POS,,if she really did inhale pot? I also believe if the mother really did do this then she needs a little jail time and her child taken away for a while,,but not forever. People kill people and do less time and still get to raise their children. JMO but the bitch who was taking the pictures deserves a little quality jail time also.

[Skip Towne]

I am really curious as to why this small child did not test POS,,if she really did inhale pot? I also believe if the mother really did do this then she needs a little jail time and her child taken away for a while,,but not forever. People kill people and do less time and still get to raise their children. JMO but the bitch who was taking the pictures deserves a little quality jail time also.
You called her a bitch. That's awful.

[go bo]

You called her a bitch. That's awful.ROFL ROFL ROFL

no, its awfl...

just like your ngotiating skills... :p :p :p

[Skip Towne]

ROFL ROFL ROFL

no, its awfl...

just like your ngotiating skills... :p :p :p
I ain't doin' no 'gotiatin'.

[picasso]

She should have her gultch welded shut with a blow torch for giving dope to a toddler.

This is probably material for the "pot is great" thread.

I didn't get into three replies and your self righteous moronic ass has to ruin the read. Shutup!! So you don't smoke pot - I get it. :cuss:

[chiefs4me]

he is so gonna get you,,ROFL

[Mr. Kotter]

I didn't get into three replies and your self righteous moronic ass has to ruin the read. Shutup!! So you don't smoke pot - I get it. :cuss:

I've joined your side in the debate to decriminalize, but you gotta admit....Iowanian was funny there.

[chiefs4me]

So anybody have any ideas why this child did not test POS?

[Skip Towne]

I've joined your side in the debate to decriminalize, but you gotta admit....Iowanian was funny there.
Ioweenien is a little red necked gunt. And he's NOT funny. :p

[Mr. Kotter]

So anybody have any ideas why this child did not test POS?

Probably didn't truly inhale; but that doesn't change the mom's behavior in the eyes of the law. Ten years is harsh, but the kid should be gone.

[chiefs4me]

Ioweenien is a little red necked gunt. And he's NOT funny. :p


WOW,,those are fighting words,,ROFL

[Mr. Kotter]

Ioweenien is a little red necked gunt. And he's NOT funny. :p

Have you accepted my conversion to your "side", or are you still skeptical?

[Skip Towne]

Have you accepted my conversion to your "side", or are you still skeptical?
Past experience tells me I should watch you for awhile. You're liable to be shooting heroin tomorrow.

[Rausch]

Same time they give the kid his first beer.

I see a big difference here.

[Mr. Kotter]

Past experience tells me I should watch you for awhile. You're liable to be shooting heroin tomorrow.

Nah. I've always been skeptical of the drug laws relative to pot, but as an Army officer and teacher....well, the cards are a bit stacked. BTW, I'm not saying I enthusiastically support legalization--rather, I'm more inclined toward decriminalization, at this point anyway. Just seems the lesser tragedy.....

[MOhillbilly]

all i wanna know is everytime they send someone to jail for selling or buying pot who do they let out?

less goverment interaction in the lives of hardworking Americans is long over due.

The fact that there is a long standing goverment funded war on drugs that will never work and drains taxpayer dollars in both enforcement and incarceration is a joke.
More drug laws dont make me feel safer & the fact that the govt spends billions a years on the so called war and not chaseing the violent criminals really erks the shit outta me.
more freedom less goverment,people need to mind there own before they point fingers. Alittle accountability in your own life will make America a better place.

JMO.

[Mr. Kotter]

all i wanna know is everytime they send someone to jail for selling or buying pot who do they let out?

less goverment interaction in the lives of hardworking Americans is long over due.

The fact that there is a long standing goverment funded war on drugs that will never work and drains taxpayer dollars in both enforcement and incarceration is a joke.
More drug laws dont make me feel safer & the fact that the govt spends billions a years on the so called war and not chaseing the violent criminals really erks the shit outta me.
more freedom less goverment,people need to mind there own before they point fingers. Alittle accountability in your own life will make America a better place.

JMO.

That's, basically, what Buckley contends. Supporters of legalization/decriminalization would do better if they would use those arguments more front and center in their case, rather than the "pot isn't bad for you" angle they often resort to. JMHO.

Pot is probably no worse than a lot of things we choose to do to our bodies. I understand why we try to discourage it, but where do you draw the line?

I eat too much fried food, drink beer, and I don't exercise enough---I'm killin' myself too: yet I don't expect the government to take away my Guiness and my wings, and force me to exercise any time soon. I hope not anyway. :(

[CosmicPal]

all i wanna know is everytime they send someone to jail for selling or buying pot who do they let out?



In most cases, convicts get reduced sentences. One of the reasons for the increase of captial punishment being carried out as well.

The fact of the matter is- the ones who are "getting out" are the ones who actually commit personal and property crimes. Smoking a joint is a 'victimless' crime. People don't die from smoking marijuana, people don't kill others when stoned or commit of violent acts of crimes. Yet, the majority of those housed in our prisons are there because of mandatory minimum sentencing laws. The culprit here isn't the crime itself, but rather the punishment.

Reformation should always be before punishment. Dropping people into already overcrowded prisons for smoking a joint is ludicrous, and it affects a great deal of our society every time someone is thrown into jail.

[picasso]

In most cases, convicts get reduced sentences. One of the reasons for the increase of captial punishment being carried out as well.

The fact of the matter is- the ones who are "getting out" are the ones who actually commit personal and property crimes. Smoking a joint is a 'victimless' crime. People don't die from smoking marijuana, people don't kill others when stoned or commit of violent acts of crimes. Yet, the majority of those housed in our prisons are there because of mandatory minimum sentencing laws. The culprit here isn't the crime itself, but rather the punishment.

Reformation should always be before punishment. Dropping people into already overcrowded prisons for smoking a joint is ludicrous, and it affects a great deal of our society every time someone is thrown into jail.


Exactly!! :thumb:

I used to smoke a bowl now and then. I don't anymore. I guess I grew out of it. Ever so often I wouldn't mind to revisit it but I am so far out of the loop I wouldn't know where to buy it. Who do I ask, my teenage sons buddies for it? Kinda lame isn't it. So I go on without it.
I think that in this case the woman shouldn't go to jail for a moral crime she commited, just take her kid away from her until she gets her act together. Let her decide what is important.
If she did the same thing to a pet (like I know some of you guys have done before) would you jail her for animal cruelty? After "Up in Smoke" everyone got their pet stoned. Hell I did.

[Skip Towne]

Exactly!! :thumb:

I used to smoke a bowl now and then. I don't anymore. I guess I grew out of it. Ever so often I wouldn't mind to revisit it but I am so far out of the loop I wouldn't know where to buy it. Who do I ask, my teenage sons buddies for it? Kinda lame isn't it. So I go on without it.
I think that in this case the woman shouldn't go to jail for a moral crime she commited, just take her kid away from her until she gets her act together. Let her decide what is important.
If she did the same thing to a pet (like I know some of you guys have done before) would you jail her for animal cruelty? After "Up in Smoke" everyone got their pet stoned. Hell I did.
You'd be a very poor owner if you didn't get your pet stoned.

[chiefs4me]

You'd be a very poor owner if you didn't get your pet stoned.



:mad:

[CosmicPal]

I think that in this case the woman shouldn't go to jail for a moral crime she commited, just take her kid away from her until she gets her act together. Let her decide what is important.



Doing it to your pet is considered animal cruelty, but doing it to your own child is considered abandonment.

The woman should be punished, but NOT for 10 YEARS!

The saddest thing about this entire thread is that the plight of the daughter is profoundly ignored. She now has to live without her mother for 10 years. I know this is difficult to understand for many, but her mother may have only used poor judgement in this entire case- and that is she was stoned and thought it might be Cheech and Chong funny like to give her daughter a toke. Of course, she may after all be a very poor, ignorant, and abusive mother and having them seperated MAY be good for the both of them.

But, the fact of the matter is- HER MOTHER SHOULDN'T BE PUNISHED!

Instead, she should have been counseled. YES- Counseled by a professionally admired psychologist for a couple of years. What she probably needs is PHUCKING HELP! Not incarceration for ten years away from her very own daughter and the rest of her family.

This is the bullshit belief of our penal system- that everyone needs to be punished for their crimes- shit, some people are just crying out for help dammit. Some people get out of jail and then commit crimes JUST TO GET BACK IN 'cause that's all they've ever known- a life behind bars. They have no life outside, they have no chance for a life 'cause nobody will give them that chance. So, they are simply recycled back into the system.

And now this mother is taken away from her own child, but the worst of it all- some people will be getting out to make room for her. Yep. Thanks to you bible-waving phucktards - another potsmoker is behind bars to replace the rapist and carjackers and arsonists of our society. A rapist was let out to make room for the pot smoking mother and the rapist is looking for a fix tonight. It's been a rough couple of weeks for the rapist- and now he's looking for a fresh victim tonight...he'll probably hit your nearest college campus

All because we punish people instead of rehabilitating them!

[Xtrahot]

Woah woah woah

Time out.

Going only but the first 2 pages and final few of the thread. It seems like everyone thinks the lady has already been sentenced to 10 years in prison. She's been convicted of a serious crime but not sentenced. For all you know the sentence could be 2 years suspended with 40 hours of counseling or something of that nature.

"guilty of distributing marijuana to a person under the age of 18 years.

Durham will be sentenced April 20 by Senior U.S. District Judge Jack Shanstrom. She faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine."

Where's the actual sentence?

[CHIEF4EVER]

This ignorant bidge needs to have someones size 11 broke off in her hindparts and her child removed from her care until she develops some common sense. :mad:

[Inspector]

all i wanna know is everytime they send someone to jail for selling or buying pot who do they let out?

less goverment interaction in the lives of hardworking Americans is long over due.

The fact that there is a long standing goverment funded war on drugs that will never work and drains taxpayer dollars in both enforcement and incarceration is a joke.
More drug laws dont make me feel safer & the fact that the govt spends billions a years on the so called war and not chaseing the violent criminals really erks the shit outta me.
more freedom less goverment,people need to mind there own before they point fingers. Alittle accountability in your own life will make America a better place.

JMO.

I suspect it's like everything else - about the money.

Our judicial system is a huge money maker for the people drawing paychecks from it. I read (or heard) somewhere that about 70% of our prison / crime fighting resourses are directed to the "war". That's a lot of paychecks folks. Lots of promotions for the cops who "find" it in your car (and yes, we all know that it is planted about as often as not).

Several years ago there was a news story about a 14 year old girl who was raped and murdered. The guy who did it had just been released from prison after serving a stint for rape. Now why do you think he had to be let out early? Need to make room for those dangerous potheads.

I'm convinced it will never be legal because too many people who are earning a comfortable living could lose their income. Or, maybe too many cops would have to deal with crime instead of trying to catch consenting adults abusing their own bodies.

Which would you rather face as a police officer? A criminal who hurts people or a guy looking for his twinkies?

And I won't even get into all the people who just have some sort of deep need to control others. That's another part of this too.


And as always, this is IMO.