Jacob Redmond
Well-Known Member
The Senate on Saturday voted to lessen penalties for possessing small amounts of marijuana, while the House voted to clamp down on medical marijuana providers.
The bill to decriminalize the possession of an ounce or less of marijuana squeaked out of the Senate on a vote of 21-20 and went to the House, with a week to go in the legislative session.
Under the bill, an offender would be ticketed and fined $50 for having an ounce or less of the drug.
Possession of drug paraphernalia likewise would be treated with a ticket and a $50 fine.
Penalties also would be lessened for possession of up to eight ounces of marijuana. While it would remain a misdemeanor, offenders would not face jail time.
Under Senate Bill 383, having more than eight ounces of marijuana would remain a fourth-degree felony.
Supporters said the changes would ease the burden on police agencies, jails and the court system, freeing up money for use elsewhere.
"This is not legalization. This is decriminalization of less than one ounce," said sponsor Sen. Joseph Cervantes, D-Las Cruces.
Opponents said the legislation marked a step toward legalization.
"I think this bill opens that door," said Sen. William Burt, R-Alamogordo.
*edit*......
News Moderator: Jacob Redmond 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Senate OKs bill to reduce pot penalties | Albuquerque Journal News
Author: Deborah Baker And Dan Boyd
Contact: https://main.abqjournal.netdna-cdn.com/assets/submit.php
Photo Credit: None Found
Website: Albuquerque and New Mexico News, Sports, Business and more | Albuquerque Journal News
The bill to decriminalize the possession of an ounce or less of marijuana squeaked out of the Senate on a vote of 21-20 and went to the House, with a week to go in the legislative session.
Under the bill, an offender would be ticketed and fined $50 for having an ounce or less of the drug.
Possession of drug paraphernalia likewise would be treated with a ticket and a $50 fine.
Penalties also would be lessened for possession of up to eight ounces of marijuana. While it would remain a misdemeanor, offenders would not face jail time.
Under Senate Bill 383, having more than eight ounces of marijuana would remain a fourth-degree felony.
Supporters said the changes would ease the burden on police agencies, jails and the court system, freeing up money for use elsewhere.
"This is not legalization. This is decriminalization of less than one ounce," said sponsor Sen. Joseph Cervantes, D-Las Cruces.
Opponents said the legislation marked a step toward legalization.
"I think this bill opens that door," said Sen. William Burt, R-Alamogordo.
*edit*......
News Moderator: Jacob Redmond 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Senate OKs bill to reduce pot penalties | Albuquerque Journal News
Author: Deborah Baker And Dan Boyd
Contact: https://main.abqjournal.netdna-cdn.com/assets/submit.php
Photo Credit: None Found
Website: Albuquerque and New Mexico News, Sports, Business and more | Albuquerque Journal News
