Tagged With: Decriminalization
NORML Releases Comprehensive Report Summarizing Local Decriminalization Laws
Even though recreational marijuana remains criminalized in a majority of US states, more and more municipalities are moving ahead with local laws decriminalizing the possession of cannabis within city limits. For the first time, NORML has released a comprehensive breakdown of these citywide and countywide decriminalization policies. Efforts to liberalize municipal marijuana possession penalties in … Continue reading
Marijuana Arrests Soar in Allentown and Bethlehem as Both Cities Consider Marijuana Decriminalization
Police in the Pennsylvania cities of Allentown and Bethlehem continue to arrest hundreds of residents for less than 30 grams of cannabis while opiate and cocaine arrests seem to be going down. Last year Allentown put 315 people into handcuffs and the courts over marijuana possession, while the city reported just 31 other drug possession … Continue reading
New Orleans: Marijuana Possession Arrests Plunge Following Enactment Of Decriminalization Ordinance
Minor marijuana possession arrests have plunged in the city of New Orleans following the adoption of a municipal ordinance one year ago that called for fining rather than arresting low-level offenders. According to data made available last week, just one percent of encounters between police and someone accused of possessing marijuana resulted in an arrest … Continue reading
Study: Marijuana Decriminalization Leads To Decreased Arrests, No Increase In Youth Use
State laws reducing minor marijuana possession offenses from criminal to civil violations (aka decriminalization) are associated with dramatic reductions in drug-related arrests, and are not linked to any uptick in youth cannabis use, according to data published by researchers at Washington University and the National Bureau of Economic Research. Investigators examined the associations between cannabis … Continue reading
Virginia State Crime Commission Holds Hearing On Decriminalization
On Monday, October 30th, I took a short trip down to Richmond, Virginia to testify alongside Virginia NORML regarding proposals to decriminalize the personal possession of marijuana, in order for those who are stopped by law enforcement to no longer face jail time or a criminal charge. Among the policy proposals are options that are line … Continue reading
Atlanta Passes Marijuana Decriminalization Ordinance
Today, Atlanta City Council voted to pass Ordinance 1700-1152, decriminalizing marijuana possession offenses. This measure amends the local law so that the possession of up to one ounce of marijuana is punishable by a $ 75 fine — no arrest, jail time, or criminal arrest record. Annually, over 30,000 Georgians — many of whom reside … Continue reading
Special Session: Marijuana Decriminalization
Legislation has been introduced, albeit late, for the 2017 Texas special session to decriminalize the possession of small amounts of marijuana. HB 334, introduced by Representative James Moody, was not referred by the deadline BUT that does not mean it is totally dead. A hearing is still expected to be held by Moody on the … Continue reading
Pennsylavania Cities Continue to Embrace Decriminalization of Marijuana
With the recent passage of a marijuana decriminalization ordinance, the City of York joins Philadelphia, State College, Pittsburgh and Harrisburg in no longer criminalizing the simple possession of small amounts of marijuana. Following several meetings to discuss the proposal, members of city council heard from Chris Goldstein, executive director of Philadelphia NORML and Les Stark, … Continue reading
New Hampshire: Marijuana Decriminalization Measure Signed Into Law
Republican Gov. Chris Sununu signed legislation today decriminalizing minor marijuana possession offenses. House Bill 640, which takes effect in 60 days, eliminates criminal penalties for the possession of up to 3/4 of an ounce of cannabis and/or up to five grams of hashish for those age 18 or older. Under the new law, first time … Continue reading
New Hampshire: Decriminalization Passes Senate, Soon Heads To Governor To Sign
New Hampshire is the only New England state that has not either decriminalized or legalized adult marijuana use but that is soon to change. Today, the state Senate passed an amended version of House Bill 640, which eliminates the threat of jail time for a possession conviction of less than 3/4 of an ounce and reduces … Continue reading
