Students say equalize pot, booze penalties

ORLANDO, Fla., Dec. 3 (UPI) -- Some students at the University of Central Florida argue that reducing the punishment for smoking marijuana would lead to less binge drinking.

The Golden Rule Review Committee, a student advisory group, planned to discuss the proposal Tuesday, WKMG-TV in Orlando reported. Advocates of the change said the penalty for using pot should be the same as for underage drinking.

"It's been a part of college life for so long. In my dorm, if you get caught with marijuana, you get kicked out and face jail time, whereas, if you get caught with alcohol, you do community service," a student, Noah Hershman, told WKMG. "But what's worse? I think drinking is worse, to be honest with you."

Lonnie Griesemer, whose daughter is considering attending his alma mater, said any change in the rules would not change his attitude to the school. He said if his daughter goes to UCF she would make her own decisions.

Any recommendation from the student committee would have to be ratified by the administration.