A controversial law treating bong water as a controlled substance is turning minor offenses into major felonies. Jessica Beske’s case highlights this legal quirk, where residue-laden water could lead to decades behind bars. Minnesota’s outdated drug policies are under scrutiny as reform advocates push for change.
Decriminalizing Drug Paraphernalia
Last year, the Legislature took a significant step by decriminalizing drug paraphernalia, even if it contains drug residue. This shift marks a move away from the harsh drug war tactics of the past, focusing instead on treating substance abuse as a public health issue.
The Overlooked Provision
However, one relic of the war on drug paraphernalia was overlooked: a provision treating bong water as a controlled substance. This means bong water is legally equivalent to the pure drug used in the bong, despite being just a residue-cooling liquid.
The Legal Implications
People don’t consume bong water, yet some prosecutors use it to escalate charges against drug defendants. This can lead to harsher penalties than the defendants would otherwise face.
The Case of Jessica Beske
On May 8, Jessica Beske was pulled over for speeding in Polk County, Minnesota. Deputies found a bong, a glass jar with a “crystal substance,” and other paraphernalia in her car, leading to her arrest.
Testing Positive
Tests showed methamphetamine residue on the paraphernalia, in the bong water, and in the glass jar. Deputies reported the bong water weighed 8 ounces, and the crystal substance 13.2 grams including the jar.
Disputed Charges
Beske argues the jar was included in the weight because there wasn’t enough substance to measure. She insists she only had paraphernalia with residue, not drugs, as decriminalized by the 2023 bill.
Severe Penalties
Despite this, the Polk County prosecutor charged her with first-degree felony possession. This charge carries a potential penalty of up to 30 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine.
The Bong Water Law
Under state law, 8 ounces of bong water is treated the same as 8 ounces of pure methamphetamine. This far exceeds the 50-gram threshold for a first-degree felony offense.
Legislative Intent
The law’s weight-based thresholds aim to distinguish between end users and dealers. However, some prosecutors are using these thresholds to charge end users as if they were dealers, causing significant harm.
Asset Seizure
Deputies also seized Beske’s car and $2,400 in cash, planning to forfeit them permanently. This is allowed under state law for vehicles and cash linked to drug offenses.
Disputing the Evidence
Beske claims she won the cash at a casino that night and had a tax form from the casino to prove it. She finds the charges illogical and against common sense.
The Origin of the Bong Water Law
The law treating bong water as a controlled substance stems from a 2009 state Supreme Court case, State vs. Peck. The court ruled bong water could be considered a “drug mixture” under legal definitions.
Controversial Testimony
A Minnesota State Patrol officer’s testimony claimed drug users might drink or inject bong water. This testimony influenced the court’s decision, despite skepticism from some justices.
Dissenting Opinions
Three justices dissented, arguing that bong water is typically discarded after use. They contended that possession of bong water does not make a person more dangerous.
National Reaction
The 2009 decision drew national ridicule and jokes. The following year, legislators tried to pass a bill exempting small amounts of bong water from the legal definition of “mixture.”
Legislative Failure
Despite unanimous Senate support and near-unanimous House approval, then-governor Tim Pawlenty vetoed the bill. This left the controversial bong water provision in place.
Pawlenty’s Veto
Preparing for a presidential run, Pawlenty defended his veto on “The Daily Show,” citing law enforcement’s advice. The following year, the bong water exception was reintroduced but faced opposition from the Minnesota County Attorneys Association.
Renewed Legislation
Despite opposition, the bill passed again and was signed into law by newly elected Gov. Mark Dayton. The 4-ounce standard remains, though critics like Kurtis Hanna call it arbitrary and lacking justification.
Rare But Real Prosecutions
Bong water prosecutions are uncommon but not unheard of. In 2013, a Waseca man was imprisoned for possessing half an ounce of methamphetamine-laced bong water, only to be released when it was discovered this was below the legal threshold.
Lack of Awareness
Robert Small, the executive director of the Minnesota County Attorneys Association, seemed surprised that bong water cases are still being charged. Upon learning of Beske’s case, he suggested contacting the county attorney for more information.
Prosecutorial Zeal
Scott Buhler, prosecuting Beske’s case, declined to comment but stated his office enforces the laws as written. Buhler is known for charging violations of an old law requiring taxes on illicit drugs, aiming to keep all legal options open.
Harsh Charges
Buhler’s approach explains the severe charges against Beske, including first-degree possession and violating the illicit drug tax law. These charges carry severe penalties, adding to Beske’s legal troubles.
Changing Perspectives
This tough-on-crime stance contrasts sharply with Minnesota’s evolving views on drug policy. A recent legislative report concluded that criminal penalties do not deter drug use or reduce recidivism, highlighting the ineffectiveness of imprisonment in addressing addiction.
Personal Struggles
Beske admits to having a substance abuse problem that began amid an abusive relationship. She feels harshly treated by a system that punishes addicts, especially women, who often have been victims of serious, unprosecuted crimes.
Facing a Grim Future
The prospect of 30 years in prison fills Beske with despair, fearing it will worsen her addiction. She believes most drug use stems from a need to cope with personal trauma, not criminal intent.
