Pat Robertson questions harsh pot laws

• Reprints

Updated: December 24, 2010 6:39AM

RICHMOND, Va. — Religious broadcaster Pat Robertson says harsh penalties for marijuana possession are costly for the nation and damaging to young people.

But a spokesman says he is not calling for decriminalizing pot.

The spokesman said Thursday that Robertson made the comments on the Christian Broadcasting Network’s “700 Club” in the context of faith-based approaches to treating offenders.

Spokesman Chris Roslan said Robertson “unequivocally stated” he is against the use of illegal drugs.

The comments, however, were widely interpreted on several websites as an endorsement by the Christian Coalition founder of the legalization of marijuana. They were celebrated by NORML, a group that advocates legalizing marijuana.

AP