Updated: December 11, 2011 8:23AM

IS DECRIMINALIZING MARIJUANA FOR POSSESSION OF 10 GRAMS OR LESS A GOOD IDEA?

Paul Cardamone, Elmhurst, real estate sales:

“Yes, for people who need it for medical reasons. Some people find solace for that purpose. But, not for young people just starting their lives and using it to get a kick.”

Armando Rivera, Westchester, police officer: “No, it’s a bad idea. The last thing we need is people smoking marijuana to get in a car and drive.”

Jim Kidston, Hinsdale, teacher: “Yes, because I think we spend too much way too much effort on something relatively harmless.”

Joey Solar, La Grange, fifth-grader at Cossitt Elementary School: “No, I’ve heard lots of talks on this from the DARE officer at my school. Marijuana also causes cancer and has even more tar than cigarettes.”

Chris Mudd, Western Springs, attorney: “Yes, in Chicago, it would allow them to focus on more major crimes than what is considered a lesser offense. It would mean spending less resources and investment of judicial resources and reduce the impact on the prison population.”

Pat O’Hare, Hinsdale, stock market analyst: “No, I don’t think so. It perpetuates the stance that legalizing a drug could potentially lead to a greater addiction.”

Gary Anderson, Clarendon Hills, engineer: “Yes, let the police do something else.”

Ali Seyedzadeh, Downers Grove, retired finance specialist: “No, alcohol creates enough trouble. We don’t want drugs legalized.”

Kanwar Arora, Oak Brook physician: “I think so, because of the load on the judicial and law enforcement systems. There are other more serious crimes on the street. With the resources we have available, we could put them to better use.”

Tara Remiasz, LaGrange Park, editor: “I don’t think so. To just give people a ticket wouldn’t work. Jail time deters people.”

Dean Nerad, Hinsdael, consultant: “Yes, there’s a black market for that anyway. If you decriminalize it, you can tax it and have a new revenue stream.”

Marie Doyle, Elmhurst, preschool teacher: “No, having any amount is a crime. That’s the law.”

Elieser DeJesus, Hinsdale, marshal arts trainer: “I don’t think so. I don’t know of any good that comes out of smoking marijuana. People do it for health reasons. But if you give an inch, people take a foot and then a yard and so on.”

— Jane Michaels asked this question Saturday outside the Oak Brook Family Recreation Center.

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