Representative Ed Gainey has introduced legislation, House Bill 2076, to amend the state’s controlled substances act so that minor marijuana possession offenses are considered a non-criminal offense.
States Rep. Gainey in a recent memorandum to House members:
“Despite both local and nationwide progress on the issue of cannabis prohibition Pennsylvania continues to charge over 18,000 individuals each year with minor possessory offenses. Minorities are disproportionately affect by as much as a 5 – 1 ratio despite similar usage rates as their white counterparts. A misdemeanor conviction can have lifelong implications including loss of employment, loss of public housing and loss of educational loan eligibility. We cannot afford either the short term or the long term effects of saddling Pennsylvanians with misdemeanor charges and convictions for minor cannabis possession.”
House Bill 2076 would impose a fine and a summary conviction for an individual possessing 30 grams or less of marijuana or eight 8 grams or less of hashish. Offenders would no longer face criminal arrest, incarceration, or a criminal record.
Current state law considers possession of 30 grams or less of marijuana a misdemeanor criminal penalty punished by 30 days incarceration and up to a $ 500 fine.
Additional information is available from Philly NORML and/or Pittsburgh NORML.
The bill is now pending before the House Judiciary committee. NORML will keep you updated as this legislation moves forward.
Enter your zip code below to contact your state Representative and urge their support for this common sense reform.
National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws – Advocacy Campaigns
