I think insane is a pretty huge overstatement. It's stupid, sure, but not insane. And it's no more or less stupid than singling out any other specific crime.
Speeding? Jaywalking? Because that's the level of danger non-violent drug crimes present. To deny someone an education, something so valuable to not only their future but a value to society at large, over a minor crime is to cut off our nose to spite our face.