ider a system of controlled distribution (Still Crazy). Marijuana is really not as harmful as it has been made out to be. Oftentimes, brain damage or other severe harm is caused not by marijuana, but by impure samples (Thompson Interview). Some drug dealers pass off many other substances as marijuana, often with adverse consequences. Samples of marijuana have been found containing rat poison or household cleaners This is often the cause of many emergency room cases and deaths (Peters Interview). The federal government should not be concerned with responsible users, for they cause not harm to society and are of no threat to the well being of the nation (Still Crazy). However, mere possession of marijuana is still a serious federal offense. Marijuana possession, cultivation, or distribution is a felony in the United States, and the federal government strongly enforces strict laws controlling the substance and these who use it. Marijuana was defined as Schedule I by the Controlled Substances Act of 1970. This means, according to the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, NORML, that marijuana is listed as having a high potential for abuse, no currently acceptable medical use in treatment in the United States, and lack of accepted safety use under medical supervision (Background). Marijuana farmers run the high risk of losing their house, farm, car, or various other possessions if they are caught (Stepzinski). Farmers who grow 100 marijuana plants or more are subject to a prison term of five years as mandated by federal law. Trafficking and cultivation on a large scale may carry a possible death sentence. All but 8 states punish possession of any amount with imprisonment or a severe fine (Still Crazy). Louis Covar was imprisoned for seven years for possessing marijuana and violating his probation. Covar may now receive an additional 10-year prison sentence after a recent indictment on charges of marijuana possession (Hodson...
