Another senseless marijuana prosecution.

[Toucano]

This is such a shame. Sending two sixty year old men to jail for something the AMA now says has medical value. Insanity. Big bad criminals, right?





http://www.wlfi.com/dpp/news/crime/local_wlfi_lafayette_former_teacher_faces_drug_charges_200911131030_1

Former teacher faces drug charges
James Page charged with Possession of Marijuana

Updated: Friday, 13 Nov 2009, 2:30 PM EST
Published : Friday, 13 Nov 2009, 10:33 AM EST

* Sue Scott

LAFAYETTE, Ind (WLFI) - A former Klondike Middle School teacher and a friend face two counts of Possession of Marijuana.

James R. Page,61, and Samuel D. Patterson, 60, were arrested on September 12th after an Indiana State Police trooper spotted marijuana plants growing at a house near Old US 231. Page was a health and wellness teacher in the Tippecanoe School Corporation.

Court documents said Patterson was found with a pair of shears in his hand and appeared to be trimming the plants behind his house. Page was sitting on the steps behind the house. Patterson gave the officer permission to search the premises. According to police, several marijuana plants were found growing in the basement. IN the bedroom some paraphernalia was found, including a one-hitter box and a pipe. In the kitchen scales were located and two jars containing green plant material that field-tested positive for marijuana. In addition, about 35 marijuana plants were found being grown behind the house and in weeds to the sides of the residence. The officer also said there was an additional pile of marijuana plants beside a tree that appeared to have just been harvested. The officer said a shed was set up as a drying room.

The Affidavit of Probable Cause said Page was interviewed and stated he was aware that Patterson was growing marijuana at the residence, and admitted that he was helping Patterson. The report also states Page admitted that he used marijuana "recreationally" and also that his wife smoked marijuana occasionally. Page had a book in his car on growing marijuana.

[LakeSamish706]

1. Absolutely agree... Our society has lost it's way for sure... We let perps.

like GW Bush and Cheney walk free after all of their crimes, and send people like this to jail.... We are so screwed.

[opihimoimoi]

2. Bad news for taxpayers who have to put up room and board should they be jailed

If long sentenses...these old codgers will likely cost the State bucko medical Buck$...everyone loses... no winners

[ixion]

3. this is why the so-called drug 'war' needs to end now...

the discussion needs to stop, and we need to stop jailing pot smokers.

[polichick]

4. Yes, a sad example of the culture wars that keep going on and on. nt

[Auggie]

5. There's no indication in the article they will go to jail

I don't know the laws in Indiana but jail sounds like overkill

[Toucano]

6. They're charged with possession at this time.

More than 30 grams can get you 6 months to 3 years and a 10,0000 dollar fine.

Possible conditional discharge for first offense.

[Arkansas Granny]

7. I'm not sure, but I think this may be covered by federal sentencing guidelines

that consider marijuana to be a dangerous drug.

http://www.safeaccessnow.org/article.php?id=2638

[Auggie]

8. So insane

[XOKCowboy]

9. All marijuana prosecutions are senseless...

Just saying.

[Toucano]

15. Of course you're right.

This one, for me, just demonstrates HOW senseless.

The guy on the left was a middle school health teacher. Productive member of society. Payin' taxes, taking care of shit.

Absolutely ZERO threat to society.

I really hope we change those laws soon.

[XOKCowboy]

16. I agree completely...

I can't believe it's still a Schedule One "drug". It's a plant. It's not made in a lab it's a grown in soil (usually). Hopefully the tides are turning.

[sharesunited]

10. The one on the right is Michael McDonald.

I know that Doobie Brother when I see him.

[Toucano]

14. No wise man has the power

to reason awaaay!

[Kievan Rus]

11. War on Drugs = miserable failure

It's just Prohibition all over again. It's a social Vietnam.

[Canuckistanian]

12. Some more customers for the prison industry

It's an assembly line, not a system of justice.

[bertman]

13. I have a friend who got popped a while back for having a plant in his backyard. The

fine was $10,000 for growing with intent to sell. Now get this, the cops told him not to tell anybody how much the fine was. Does that strike anyone as suspicious?? Why would they say something like that? Unless . . . hmmmm.

This drug war is another fucking racket that has to stop.

Sorry to hear about these men. This is a travesty of justice.