Comedian and satirist Tommy Chong became the first defendant to plead guilty in federal court to selling drug paraphernalia as part of Operation Pipe Dreams. The maximum penalty is 3 years, but federal sentencing guidelines provide for 6 months to 1 year. He is also eligible for home detention rather than prison. His lawyer, Richard Hirsch (an excellent lawyer and friend of ours who practices in LA with another terrific lawyer, Michael Nasitir) said:

Chong's attorneys said he was accepting responsibility, but noted he was careful not to sell to minors. "This isn't his work. His work is that of a comedian and satirist," said attorney Richard G. Hirsch. After the hearing, Chong said he did not use drugs. "I don't smoke; I quit," he said.

This is the first federal prosecution in a decade for drug paraphernalia sales. As usual, Ashcroft is out of step, moving backwards. Putting bong sellers out of business and in jail is hardly going to equate to fewer people smoking pot.

Here's more about Operation Pipe Dreams.