For spliff smokers and doobie dabblers, the word “potluck” may take on a new meaning.
The Eugene City Council on Monday will consider raising the maximum fine for the possession of less than an ounce of marijuana from $100 to $250 in an effort to entice University students to participate in diversion programs.
After the success of BUSTED, a program that allows University students cited for being a minor in possession of alcohol to take diversion classes instead of paying a $250 fine, several groups began considering other possibilities.
“What Judge (Wayne) Allen and the University want to do is put into place a similar program for possession of less than one ounce of marijuana,” said Ward 3 City Councilor David Kelly, who represents the University area.
The new fine would be substantially more than the current $100 fine, for good reason, Kelly said. The costs of a diversion program would be about $90. With only a $10 difference, Kelly speculated some students might not consider the program because of the 10-hour course load.
But Kelly said the program could keep students out of trouble. On some occasions, drug possession can cause students to lose financial aid. But, as with BUSTED, the new program would ensure that, upon successful completion of the course, the citation and fine are dropped.
And as far as Kelly is concerned, the fine increase and the diversion program are a joint deal.
“I won’t support this until there is written assurance,” Kelly said.
Those who wish to share their opinions on the issue should attend the public forum, which will begin Monday at 7:30 p.m.