Pot laws debated in Charlottesville

Charlottesville City Councilor Kristin Szakos recently told reporters for the Daily Progress that she does not think people should go to jail for possessing marijuana. The statement was a minor win for pot activists in the city who advocate more lenient laws regarding the possession and use of marijuana. Currently, Virginia law states that possession of marijuana carries a $500 fine and up to 30 days in jail. Councilor Szakos reevaluated her position after talking to attorney Jeffery Fogel, who says jail sentences for marijuana are outrageous, and that the city council has a authority to remove that threat. Of course there are also opponents who say lenient drug laws give children the wrong idea.