One in 100 Americans in Prison: Study

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

I think "Intent to sell" is determined by how a person has on them when they get arrested (not necessarily for being caught in the act of selling).

I'm sure the amounts vary - but I think the amount of say Marijuana that would qualify you as a "seller" (by virtue of possession) isn't that high (we're talking ounces, not pounds).

[alienlovechild 75]

I think "Intent to sell" is determined by how a person has on them when they get arrested (not necessarily for being caught in the act of selling).

Also includes how the drugs are packaged and weighed which can convey the intent to sell.

I'm sure the amounts vary - but I think the amount of say Marijuana that would qualify you as a "seller" (by virtue of possession) isn't that high (we're talking ounces, not pounds).

I think it's by grams and you thought no one used the metric system over here.

[Peikko 1,575]

Lots of the usual opinions with little regard to the facts.

We need to decriminalize all drug use and instead put the money into drug treatment programs, but the Right Wingers don't like that idea.

"Actually, only 5 percent of inmates in federal prison on drug charges are incarcerated for drug possession. In our state prisons, it's somewhat higher—about 27% of drug offenders. In New York, which has received criticism from some because of its tough Rockefeller drug laws, it is estimated that 97% of drug felons sentenced to prison were charged with sale or intent to sell, not simply possession."

Make sense. Of course you would also have to offer rehab to those who are too poor to pay for it themselves or people will simply offend in order to get treatment.

"In July of 2002, the Ohio Judicial Conference conducted a survey of a select group of judges. The results from the survey demonstrated that judges "offer treatment to virtually 100 percent of first-time drug offenders and over 95 percent of second-time drug offenders." According to the survey, these percentages are accurate throughout the state, no matter the jurisdiction or county size."

http://www.usdoj.gov/dea/demand/speakout/10so.htm

Offering treatment, and offering effective rehab treatment are not one and the same unfortunately. Some of the treatments are simply worse than useless (a once a week 'chat' with a councilor) and none or very few involve a residential stay - which successful drug rehabilitation programs see as essential.

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

Point being - being jailed for "intent to sell" doesn't mean that a person was dealing (or intended to).

[alienlovechild 75]

Point being - being jailed for "intent to sell" doesn't mean that a person was dealing (or intended to).

It's not based solely on the arresting cop. They have more than the "usual" amount for an individual and having the packaging helps. Most drug users don't typically walk around with more drugs than they could possibly consume out of fear getting ripped off, getting caught by the law or simply impracticable. I have some experience with this issue and looks like most posters don't or they won't admit it which is strange considering the scope of problem in this country.

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

I've bought alcohol for a party before, I'm sure people have bought drugs for similar reasons - there is a social element to it after all.

As to why people here are reluctant to discuss it, its probably because a lot of VJers had to sign a legal declaration that they haven't abused illegal drugs. It would be kinda stupid for someone to incriminate themselves on a public message board, especially given the discretion that USCIS adjudicators have.

Edited July 15, 2009 by Private Pike

[Danno 1,228]

All this talk about "rehab" for those busted with drugs.... Why the assumption that everyone with drugs is addicted?

I've never been involved with drugs myself but know a number of people who have been, almost were not addicts..... anymore than the Drunk driver is an alcoholic.

I get a kick out of contemplating legalizing smoking Pot while we are swiftly moving toward outlawing Marlboro's.

[Peikko 1,575]

The thread is about prison populations and the contribution drugs and drug addiction have to that Danno.

[웃 910]

I think "Intent to sell" is determined by how a person has on them when they get arrested (not necessarily for being caught in the act of selling).

Also includes how the drugs are packaged and weighed which can convey the intent to sell.

I'm sure the amounts vary - but I think the amount of say Marijuana that would qualify you as a "seller" (by virtue of possession) isn't that high (we're talking ounces, not pounds).

I think it's by grams and you thought no one used the metric system over here.

Weed refresher course:

When you buy weed you usually buy in ounces and pounds. People buy by the gram and sometimes even by the half of a gram but this is the only time you ask for weed using the word "gram":

1/2 gram (a "nick" or "nickel") goes for $5

1 gram (a "dime" or a "g") of really good weed (purples) would go for $25.....

Otherwise a gram of regular weed ("regs") goes for $10

^^^These prices are for Michigan weed^^^

This is very rare though....More typical orders:

An eighth (1/8th of an ounce) <----3.5 grams

A quarter (1/4th of an oz.) <---7 grams

A half ounce <----14 grams

Ounce <----28 grams

2, 3 ounces

A "Q.P." <----4 ounces or a Quarter Pound

A half pound <----8 ounces

A pound <----16 ounces

Now if you're talking cocaine then the small orders include:

A half gram <----this is a very small amount and most dealers wouldn't even waste their time

A gram <----decent amount for one person or two

A teener (1/16th of an ounce) <----1.75 grams, real nice amount for one or two

An 8-ball (1/8th of an ounce) <----3.5 grams (this would take one person literally 12 hours straight of sniffing all night long to burn through, don't ask how I know)

[SaadBell 0]

Someone said they have it good in prision, yea right, just a walk in the freaking park. With numbers like this don't worry you might one day find out how wonderful American prisions are. We have prision systems that are really just horrid, like Pelican bay, now there is some good old fashion fun, isolation 24/7 in the shu, that is really just a nightmare.

[thetreble 19]

There are too many jailable offenses in this country.

Agreed. For example, I was laughing last night while on my way home from work. On a local radio station they were pitching a "bring back ladies nights" hour. In New Jersey it's illegal to have ladies nights because it's gender discrimination. I was just laughing to myself thinking...who the hell sat back and decided that their energy and time should be spent crafting a law like this, and then someone actually passed it?

[one...two...tree 2,762]

There are too many jailable offenses in this country.

Agreed. For example, I was laughing last night while on my way home from work. On a local radio station they were pitching a "bring back ladies nights" hour. In New Jersey it's illegal to have ladies nights because it's gender discrimination. I was just laughing to myself thinking...who the hell sat back and decided that their energy and time should be spent crafting a law like this, and then someone actually passed it?

Amanda, Amanda, Amanda. There's nothing more seductive to a woman than a man who knows how to dance....

Edited July 16, 2009 by Col. 'Bat' Guano

[thetreble 19]

There are too many jailable offenses in this country.

Agreed. For example, I was laughing last night while on my way home from work. On a local radio station they were pitching a "bring back ladies nights" hour. In New Jersey it's illegal to have ladies nights because it's gender discrimination. I was just laughing to myself thinking...who the hell sat back and decided that their energy and time should be spent crafting a law like this, and then someone actually passed it?

Amanda, Amanda, Amanda. There's nothing more seductive to a woman than a man who knows how to dance....

Oh you.

[almaty 19]

There are too many jailable offenses in this country.

Agreed. For example, I was laughing last night while on my way home from work. On a local radio station they were pitching a "bring back ladies nights" hour. In New Jersey it's illegal to have ladies nights because it's gender discrimination. I was just laughing to myself thinking...who the hell sat back and decided that their energy and time should be spent crafting a law like this, and then someone actually passed it?

Amanda, Amanda, Amanda. There's nothing more seductive to a woman than a man who knows how to dance....

that was funny and also, true

[justashooter 430]

There are too many jailable offenses in this country.

Agreed. For example, I was laughing last night while on my way home from work. On a local radio station they were pitching a "bring back ladies nights" hour. In New Jersey it's illegal to have ladies nights because it's gender discrimination. I was just laughing to myself thinking...who the hell sat back and decided that their energy and time should be spent crafting a law like this, and then someone actually passed it?

Amanda, Amanda, Amanda. There's nothing more seductive to a woman than a man who knows how to dance....

go batman, go.