Katelyn Baker
Well-Known Member
People caught with small amounts of marijuana in New Mexico could get off the hook with just a fine if a new bill makes it past the state's House. The Senate passed a bill Thursday that would allow offenders to pay a mere $50 instead of spending time behind bars for possession of marijuana.
Senate Bill 258, sponsored by Sen. Joseph Cervantes, D-Las Cruces, cleared with 33-9 votes between Republicans and Democrats. Under the new measure, offenders caught with up to a half an ounce of marijuana would face charges similar to that of a speeding ticket in New Mexico, which means they'd have the option to pay a $50 fine or challenge the citation in court.
Although patients have been able to possess prescribed medical marijuana in New Mexico without proper identification, first-time offenders discovered with an ounce or less of pot could face misdemeanor charges that include 15-day jail sentences and $100 fines while second-time offenders could face a year behind bars. Possession of more than an ounce could land a person in jail from one to 18 years with fines as high as $15,000.
Although patients have been able to possess prescribed medical marijuana in New Mexico without proper identification, first-time offenders discovered with an ounce or less of pot could face misdemeanor charges that include 15-day jail sentences and $100 fines while second-time offenders could face a year behind bars. Possession of more than an ounce could land a person in jail from one to 18 years with fines as high as $15,000.
News Moderator: Katelyn Baker 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Which States Will Consider Cannabis This Year? New Mexico May Decriminalize Weed
Author: Janice Williams
Contact: info@ibtimes.com
Photo Credit: Timothy Norris
Website: International Business Times
Senate Bill 258, sponsored by Sen. Joseph Cervantes, D-Las Cruces, cleared with 33-9 votes between Republicans and Democrats. Under the new measure, offenders caught with up to a half an ounce of marijuana would face charges similar to that of a speeding ticket in New Mexico, which means they'd have the option to pay a $50 fine or challenge the citation in court.
Although patients have been able to possess prescribed medical marijuana in New Mexico without proper identification, first-time offenders discovered with an ounce or less of pot could face misdemeanor charges that include 15-day jail sentences and $100 fines while second-time offenders could face a year behind bars. Possession of more than an ounce could land a person in jail from one to 18 years with fines as high as $15,000.
Although patients have been able to possess prescribed medical marijuana in New Mexico without proper identification, first-time offenders discovered with an ounce or less of pot could face misdemeanor charges that include 15-day jail sentences and $100 fines while second-time offenders could face a year behind bars. Possession of more than an ounce could land a person in jail from one to 18 years with fines as high as $15,000.
News Moderator: Katelyn Baker 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Which States Will Consider Cannabis This Year? New Mexico May Decriminalize Weed
Author: Janice Williams
Contact: info@ibtimes.com
Photo Credit: Timothy Norris
Website: International Business Times
