In Legal Weed State, Woman Faces 30-Year Sentence Over Bong Water: ACLU Steps In

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Minnesota is defending Jessica Beske, a Fargo woman facing up to 30 years in prison and a $1 million fine over bong water allegedly found in her possession. The case has sparked significant attention and raised concerns about Minnesota's law enforcement.

What Happened: Beske was pulled over in Polk County, where authorities reportedly discovered paraphernalia, methamphetamine residue and a glass bong containing eight ounces of water. Under a loophole in Minnesota law, the water was treated as eight ounces of methamphetamine, resulting in a first-degree drug charge, which carries severe penalties, despite a 2023 law decriminalizing cannabis paraphernalia containing residue.

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ACLU Involvement

Attorney Alicia Granse, representing Beske through the ACLU, expressed concern over the legal focus on bong water and questioned the use of resources for such prosecutions. "Do we want to spend so much of our resources on bong water?" Granse asked. The case highlights potential flaws in the state's drug laws and enforcement priorities.

Broader Implications

The Polk County Attorney's office, known for aggressive drug prosecutions, argues that it is enforcing the law as written. However, critics like Granse suggest that such cases do little to improve public safety, calling for a reassessment of legal priorities. As the case progresses, it may have broader implications for criminal justice reform in Minnesota.

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