Mason Brown
Staff Writer
While responding to a noise complaint on West Cary Street earlier this month, VCU Police arrested a student for multiple drug offenses.
The police seized a “large quantity” of marijuana, marijuana seeds for planting, a hydroponic grow kit, $4,130, three amphetamine pills (one packaged for sale), scales and packaging material.
The bust resulted in the resident was later being turned over to the Richmond Sheriff’s office.
VCU Police declined to comment at this time due to pending adjudication on the case but a VCU Police newsletter disclosed the details of the bust.
VCU Police officers Joel Jeffress and Jomo Raqib with Corporal Powell approached the residence, 725 W. Cary St. to enforce city noise ordinances.
While closing in on the house they identified the smell of burnt marijuana, according to VCU Police’s bi-weekly newsletter, The Grey Stripe.
In Virginia, intent to sell more than half an ounce but less than five ounces include a fine of up to $2,500, between one and 10 years in jail or both.
Selling paraphernalia may be punished with a fine of up to $2,500, up to one year in jail or both. First conviction possession carries a penalty of a fine of up to $500, up to 30 days in jail or both.
This drug bust, unlike the one last fall which was the result of a coordinated effort of VCU Police undercover officers, happened by chance.
In February, VCU Police reported a total of 20 drug offenses for the month. So far, they have reported nine through March 23.
VCU Police’s reported drug offenses are almost exclusively marijuana use.
According to Linda Hancock, Ph.D., director of The Wellness Resource Center, it’s matter of visibility, not prevalence when comparing marijuana use to things like alcohol use.
“Although there are many reasons for the difference in use some of the major reasons for the difference are pot is illegal, it’s use has bigger consequences, plus you have to light organic matter on fire and suck it into mucous membranes,” Hancock said. “Many people just won’t smoke. They have asthma (or) they worry about carcinogens.”
She said that the comparison of marijuana and alcohol violations “is like comparing apples and oranges.”
According to Hancock, it’s hard to compare the two due to confounding variables that blend users into one group instead of separate ones.
“What you find is people who take risks take all the risks,” she said.
Reported incidences of marijuana use and alcohol use can seem drastically different because while alcohol is legal for some, marijuana is illegal for everyone, Hancock said.
“Pot use is illegal at any age, and even if only consuming a little…” she said. “Plus, half of VCU students are of legal age to drink and as long as they don’t break any laws about public drunkenness and don’t drink and drive or do something stupid, it is legal for them to drink.” CT