Legislator wants to toughen pot possession penalty

Some legislators want to crack down on friends who deal pot to friends. Under present law, those convicted of selling an ounce or less of marijuanaare fined two-hundred-50 bucks. Representative Chuck Larson, a republican from Cedar Rapids, says present law may have fit the “drug culture” ofthe past, but doesn’t fit now. He says the crop is more potent and he wants tougher penalties for those who sell pot. The bill says you can deliver up to half an ounce under a misdemeanor charge, but if money is exchanged for pot, you will be charged as a drug dealer and face penalties of up to five years in prison. Legislation approved yesterday by the House Judiciary Committee makes the changes Larson seeks. The bill now goes before the full House.