A college-bound 19-year-old teenager is facing federal drug charges for possessing a single gram of marijuana. This is the first marijuana possession case that the federal government has prosecuted in Oregon since 2011.
Oregon legalized recreational marijuana use in 2014, but the substance remains illegal under federal law.
The teen's single gram of marijuana was clearly intended for personal use, and would only be enough for one or two joints. If he is found guilty, he could be burdened with a one-year prison sentence and a $1,000 fine.
Marijuana use is common among teens, and possession of a single gram should not be handled by federal authorities. This teenager has a bright future and will contribute more to society if given the chance to go to college, graduate and enter the work force without the burden of a criminal record. Please sign the petition to urge Billy J. Williams to drop charges against this teen!
I am concerned that a college-bound 19-year-old teenager is facing federal drug charges for possessing a single gram of marijuana. If found guilty, this one indiscretion could have devastating effects on his employment prospects and reputation for the rest of his life.
I understand that this is the first marijuana possession case that the federal government has prosecuted in Oregon since 2011.
The teen's single gram of marijuana was clearly intended for personal use, and would only be enough for one or two joints. If he is found guilty, he could be burdened with a one-year prison sentence and a $1,000 fine. I believe this is excessive for possessing essentially a single dose of a substance that nearly half of United States 12th graders have admitted to using.
Marijuana use is common among teens, and possession of a single gram should not be handled by federal authorities. This teenager has a bright future and will contribute more to society if given the chance to go to college, graduate and enter the work force without the burden of a criminal record. I respectfully urge you to drop charges against this teen. Thank you for taking the time to read and consider this petition.
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