Bill upping pot penalties on the way to the governor

Supporters believe a bill to crack down on pot will help curb use of theillegal drug. Governor Vilsack will soon decide whether it’s o-k forfriends to sellfriends pot. A bill which earned final legislative approval yesterday makesit a serious FELONY crime if ANY money changes hands, even if it’s for afew joints. Under present law, you CAN give away or sell up to an ounceof pot and face just a two-hundred-50 dollar penalty. Under the bill, aperson WOULD be able to GIVE AWAY half-an-ounce or less of marijuana andface just the fine if caught. Critics argued non-violent Iowans who sell alittle bit of pot shouldn’t be imprisoned, but Senator Jeff Lambertia lawyer from Ankeny, says he’s never seen anyone put in prison for an ounceof marijuana.The bill passed the Senate on a 34 to 11 vote.