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Louisiana lawmakers could soon vote to increase penalties for marijuana-related offenses within 2,000 feet of LSU’s campus. This possibility raises concerns from the LSU community.
Rep. Michael Firment, R-Pollock, proposed House Bill 568, which plans to make “smoking, vaping or otherwise abusing” marijuana near campus a felony charge, with penalties including imprisonment for up to a year and a fine up to $1,000.
The current legislation states that drug offenses within a school zone are subject to receive one-and-a-half times longer prison sentences and fines compared to the same offense outside a school zone.
“[This bill] is focused on making Louisiana’s drug-free school zone laws more effective and enforceable in real-world situations,” Firment said. “While current law provides enhanced penalties on paper, it can be difficult to apply consistently — particularly in large, public campus environments like LSU.”
Firment explained that he is sponsoring the bill “in collaboration” with Gov. Jeff Landry’s office, according to The Advocate.
When debating the bill, Firment was met with pushback from representatives of both parties. Rep. Barbara Freiberg, R-East Baton Rouge, asked if Firment had ever been to an LSU football game.
Rep. Kyle Green, D-Marrero, also brought up that some homes are located within the 2,000-foot radius included in Firment’s bill.
When asked if homeowners smoking marijuana on their own property would be punishable, Firment said that there would be no exceptions to prosecution under this bill.
However, Firment did clarify that his bill would not impact the use of medical marijuana in an interview following the debate.
Rep. Denise Marcelle, D-East Baton Rouge, questioned Firment on why Louisiana would increase penalties for marijuana offenses when many other states have begun to weaken restrictions.
Last Thursday, President Donald Trump reclassified state-licensed medical marijuana as a less dangerous drug.
Firment again backed up his claim by saying that he was not concerned with other states’ legislation and explained that teachers in the Baton Rouge community have expressed that “the smell of marijuana is just overwhelming” as parents pick up their students in carpool, according to The Advocate.
“For LSU specifically, where large numbers of students, families and visitors gather for events, this bill helps reinforce a safe and family-friendly environment by discouraging visible drug use and supporting campus enforcement efforts,” Firment said.
Political science freshman Jenna Eaton said she disagrees with Firment and that there are bigger issues taking place on campus besides marijuana usage, such as underage drinking.
“If they are going to check for weed, then they are going to have to check for alcohol as well, which creates a bigger problem for LSU because more people drink than smoke in my opinion,” Eaton said.
She believes the bill will not deter students or the LSU community from smoking on campus, as students already disregard consequences for illegal substance use.
Jasmine Gladman, a psychology freshman, agrees with Eaton. Gladman said that students will find ways around the issue and get more people in unnecessary trouble.
“I think there should definitely be consequences, but a felony charge is very harsh,” Gladman said. “Compared to other drugs, weed is not really something that is harmful.”
Editor’s note: This story was updated to accurately reflect Rep. Firment’s district.