February 9, 2010

Arkansas state senator from Jasper suggests legalizing marijuana

from the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, via The Associated Press

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Arkansas state senator from Jasper suggests legalizing marijuana

Story Published: Nov 20, 2009 at 11:29 AM CST

Story Updated: Nov 20, 2009 at 11:29 AM CST

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- A state senator says legalizing or lessening criminal penalties for marijuana may be one way to curb overcrowding in Arkansas' prisons. Sen. Randy Laverty, D-Jasper, said Thursday that he wants to wait for legislative research and data from the Department of Correction before he decides whether to sponsor a bill that would to lessen or eliminate criminal penalties for the drug.

Laverty said at a legislative hearing this week that there should be debate about legalization after asking prison officials how many inmates are in jail on marijuana offenses. Laverty suggested those using the drug for medical purposes shouldn't be punished.

Laverty said he wouldn't consider sponsoring any proposals on the issue until the 2011 session.

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