Obviously, the ex-judge is not a supporter of the new law.  I take his comments somewhat differently than he likely meant them.  Prior law held the possession of small amounts of drugs to be a FELONY.  Felony is for life.  Felony strips away chances for employment rendering those so labeled permanent drains on a productive society.  Yet the prior law and current law for third or more offenses carves the FELONY label on people and yet the crime is so insignificant that the conviction brings only ten days in jail.  The criminal justice industry has trivialized the meaning of a FELONY.  A very serious crime that hobbles persons for life but the punishment is ten days or less in jail.  Nothing that requires a sentence of less than a year should be a FELONY.  Felony should be reserved for serious crimes where the life long label is at least marginally warranted.