Should the possession of pot on campus carry the same punishment as the possession of alcohol?

That's the question a group of University of Arkansas students is trying to address. The students are trying to lower the punishment for pot possession.

They're trying to get the university to change its sanction policy in the university handbook, and the first step was getting enough signatures for a petition due Friday.

For two weeks, the safer campaign got as many people as they can to sign a petition to change the campus punishment for possession of pot.

"You're looking at immediate suspension for one year, 100 hours of community service, a $300 fine and this is all on top of what you get in trouble with state and federal law," said Pfountz.

They're trying to lower that down to the same punishment as alcohol possession.

"Not nearly as comparable as a year of immediate suspension for marijuana," said Pfountz.The reason behind the initiative they said is because pot is safer than booze and those who signed it agree.

"I've lost several friends due to drinking and driving and I've not lost one to marijuana instances at all," said student Chris McQueen.

But campus police believe it won't happen because marijuana is an illegal substance while alcohol is not.

"Any possession of marijuana in any usable amount is a criminal offense," said Lt. Gary Crain from the University of Arkansas Police department.

But the group said the 1,700 signatures they turned in to the Arkansas Student Government Friday shows that there's enough public support for change.

"That's close to 10 percent of the student body," said Pfountz.

The ASG will be tallying the signatures and from there the referendum will be placed on the ballot for a student vote during the ASG election April 6 through 8.

If the question on the ballot receives a majority of the vote, it will be up to the university administration to take action if they wish to change the student policy.