No one should be fined for marijuana. No one should be arrested for marijuana, and under no circumstances should anyone ever, ever be executed for marijuana. Sentencing someone to death for marijuana is wrong on so many levels that I can’t fit them all into one article. However, that may happen in China, where Jackie Chan’s son is looking at marijuana possession charges, the penalty of which could be death. Per Kotaku:
Chinese actor and singer Jaycee Chan was arrested for marijuana consumption and possession in Beijing Monday. The son of Jackie Chan, he could face up to three years in prison or, at worst, even execution if convicted.
Last night, China Central Television (CCTV) reported that Beijing police had arrested 32-year-old Jaycee Chan, real name Fang Zuming, and Taiwanese actor Ko Chen-tung. Both tested positive for marijuana consumption. The younger Chan was also caught with over 100 grams of marijuana in his Beijing home. Jaycee Chan, best known in Taiwan, Hong Kong and the Chinese mainland for film roles in Mulan and 2 Young, joined the Chinese entertainment industry in the 2000’s. His arrest is the highest profile drug bust in recent history.
Many other people have been sentenced to death around the world for marijuana. However, none of them were as high profile as Jaycee Chan. It’s my hope that this will bring so much attention to the fact that marijuana laws in some countries are way too harsh, and that reform will result. What I’m fearful of though is that since Jaycee Chan is famous, and his dad is even more famous, that he will get a slap on the wrist and no reform will occur. I’d be glad to see that Jaycee Chan was not put to death, but it will be a missed opportunity to reform laws for the rest of society that doesn’t have a famous father.
