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Penalties against possession of a drug should not be more damaging to an individual than the use of the drug itself; and where they are, they should be changed. Nowhere is this more clear than in the laws against possession of marijuana in private for personal use... Therefore, I support legislation amending Federal law to eliminate all Federal criminal penalties for the possession of up to one ounce [28g] of marijuana.
Jimmy Carter
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The penalties for drug possession should not be harsher than the effects of the drug itself, particularly in the case of marijuana.

This quote by Jimmy Carter advocates for a reevaluation of drug possession laws, specifically emphasizing that the consequences for possessing marijuana should not inflict more harm on individuals than the drug's usage itself. Carter argues that current laws around marijuana possession can be excessively punitive, suggesting that legislative changes are necessary to create a fairer approach to drug policy, especially for personal use in private spaces.

Themes

Drug PolicyMarijuanaPersonal UseLegislationPenaltiesFreedom

In practice

Example use cases

This quote can be used in discussions about drug reform during a community meeting.

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