Albuquerque Archives - TheJointBlog

Marijuana Now Decriminalized in New Mexico’s Most Populated City (Just in Time for 4/20)

April 20, 2018April 20, 2018 by Anthony Martinelli

An ordinance decriminalizing the possession of personal amounts of marijuana has officially taken effect in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

The new law coincidentally (or maybe not!) takes effect on 4/20, the unofficial cannabis holiday (the law officially took effect as the clocks hit midnight MDT). The law taking effect comes a little over two weeks after it was passed by the city council in a 5 to 4 vote, and eight days after it was signed into law by Mayor Tim Keller (D).

Under the new law, the possession of up to an ounce (28 grams) of marijuana is a simple $25 ticket, rather than a misdemeanor punishable by jail time as it was before. The measure was filed by Councilmembers Pat Davi and Isaac Benton.

Albuquerque Mayor Signs Marijuana Decriminalization Ordinance Into Law

April 12, 2018 by Anthony Martinelli

The mayor of Albuquerque, New Mexico has signed into law an ordinance that decriminalizes the personal possession of marijuana.

The new law, approved by the city council earlier this month in a 5 to 4 vote, makes the possession of up to an ounce (28 grams) of marijuana a simple $25 ticket. It was signed into law today by Mayor Tim Keller (D). A similar proposal was vetoed by then-Mayor Richard Berry (R) in 2015.

“At the end of the day, our police officers have more important things to do”, says Councilmember Pat Davis, who filed the measure with Councilmember Isaac Benton. Davis compares the ticket that would be given to those possessing an ounce or less of marijuana to a traffic ticket.

Albuquerque City Council Gives Approval to Marijuana Decriminalization Ordinance

April 3, 2018April 3, 2018 by Anthony Martinelli

The Albuquerque, New Mexico City Council has passed an ordinance that would decriminalize the possession of personal amounts of marijuana.

The ordinance, which was approved by the council in a close 5 to 4 vote, would make the possession of up to an ounce (28 grams) of marijuana a simple $25 ticket. Currently possessing even a gram of marijuana can result in a misdemeanor and being put in jail for up to 15 days.

Councilmember Pat Davis, who filed the measure with Councilmember Isaac Benton, compared the ticket that would be issued for marijuana possession to a traffic ticket. He says it beats “having to check a box for the rest of your life”, referring to those filing applications (either for work, school, etc.) and being asked if they’ve ever been convicted of a drug-related crime. “At the end of the day, our police officers have more important things to do”, says Davis.

Albuquerque, New Mexico City Council Passes Measure to Decriminalize Cannabis

September 22, 2015September 21, 2015 by Anthony Martinelli

The Albuquerque, New Mexico City Council today passed a measure to decriminalize the possession of up to an ounce of cannabis. The proposal was approved with a 5 to 4 vote.

The ordinance would remove the possession of an ounce or less of cannabis from the city’s criminal code, effectively making it no longer a crime.

Cannabis paraphernalia would also be decriminalized.

In 72 Days Alaska, Oregon, D.C. and Several Cities to Vote on Legalization, Florida to Vote on Medical

August 25, 2014August 25, 2014 by Anthony Martinelli

In a little over 10 weeks, on November 4th, voters in several cities and states will have the opportunity to continue the growing momentum behind the movement to end cannabis prohibition, and they’ll be able to do so in a big way.

In Oregon, voters will be deciding the fate of Measure 91, an initiative to legalize recreational cannabis for those 21 and older. By far the most progressive of the initiatives being voted on this year, Measure 91 would legalize the possession and use of up to half a pound (eight ounces) of cannabis, in addition to the private cultivation of up to four plants. State-licensed cannabis retail outlets will also be authorized and regulated by the Oregon Liquor Commission. According to a recent study, the initiative’s tax rate, which is said to be far more reasonable than rates in Colorado and Washington, will put cannabis prices at around $140 an ounce.

Albuquerque City Council Votes to Put Cannabis Decriminalization Initiative on November Ballot

August 19, 2014August 19, 2014 by Anthony Martinelli

The Albuquerque, New Mexico City Council, in a close 5 to 4 vote, has approved a move to put an initiative to decriminalize cannabis to a vote of the people this November.

The initiative would make the possession of up to an ounce of cannabis a simple $25 fine for those 21 and older. The proposal was initially pushed by local activists, though they narrowly missed the signature requirement to put the issue to a vote. That didn’t stop the council, however, from deciding they want voters to have their say.

Cannabis Decriminalization Proposal Introduced in Albuquerque, New Mexico

August 8, 2014August 6, 2014 by Anthony Martinelli

On Monday Albuquerque, New Mexico City Councilor Rey Garduno introduced legislation to decriminalize the possession of up to an ounce of cannabis for those 21 and older, reducing the charge to a simple $25 ticket.

Under the proposed law, Albuquerque, which is the most populous city in New Mexico, would save around $5 million annually on reduced enforcement costs, according to Garduno. Under current Albuquerque law, someone caught possessing an ounce of cannabis could be jailed for up to 15 days.