Pubdate: Mon, 03 May 1999 Source: NT News (Australia) Fax: +61 8 8981 6045 Author: W. C. Feels LOOK AT THE REAL VILLAIN What is the problem with the Judiciary? Why do the sentences imposed for marijuana offences vary so greatly? Why are there any penalties for this victimless crime anyway - 462g is more than a pound of dope, that's a lot of pot. But given that Magistrate John Lowndes accepted the cannabis "present," (Northern Territory News 29/4/99) was for the personal use, and not for trafficking, why was any penalty imposed? Surely an adult of 41 years of age should be allowed to make an educated decision as to which social lubricant he prefers? Government doctors have told me for years that dope is less harmful to me than alcohol, both physically and emotionally. The fact that my own criminal history is directly related to alcohol abuse, leaves me with one more question to which I need an answer. Which is the more dangerous drug - alcohol or pot? W.C. Feels, Malak - --- MAP posted-by: Jo-D