cannabis decriminalization Archives - Page 3 of 4

D.C. Mayor Signs Measure Decriminalizing Cannabis

April 21, 2014March 31, 2014 by Anthony Martinelli

Washington D.C. Mayor Vince Gray has officially signed Council Bill 20-409, a measure to decriminalize the possession of up to an ounce of cannabis, reducing the charge from an arrestable misdemeanor to a simple $25 ticket. The proposal was approved by the D.C. Council earlier this month with only one councilmember voting in opposition.

The bill will now go through a 60-day congressional review period, where it’s unlikely the measure will be overturned. If it’s approved through this review, it will take effect on July 1st.

Illinois House Committee Unanimously Approves Cannabis Decriminalization Measures

March 26, 2014 by Anthony Martinelli

The Illinois House Restorative Justice Committee has given unanimous approval to two separate measures aimed at decriminalizing cannabis possession, one of which would also decriminalize cannabis cultivation and distribution.

House Bill 4299 would make the possession of up to 30 grams of cannabis a simply $100 ticket, rather than an arrestable misdemeanor as it currently stands. In addition, the measure would remove criminal penalties – also making it an $100 ticket – for manufacturing or delivering up to 10 grams of cannabis, and for possessing up to 5 cannabis plants. It would also reduce the charge from a felony, to a misdemeanor, for the possession of between 5 and 20 plants, or between 30 to 500 grams.

New Hampshire House of Representatives Passes Cannabis Decriminalization Measure 215 to 92

March 12, 2014 by Anthony Martinelli

New Hampshire’s full House of Representatives, in a 215 to 92 vote, has approved House Bill 1625, a proposal to decriminalize cannabis possession, and to defelonize cannabis cultivation.

If approved into law, House Bill 1625 would make the possession of up to an ounce of cannabis a simple $100 ticket, and would make cultivation of up to six cannabis plants a Class A misdemeanor, rather than a felony.

Maryland Senate Gives Preliminary Approval to Cannabis Decriminalization

March 12, 2014 by Anthony Martinelli

Maryland’s Senate gave preliminary approval today to a proposal decriminalizing the possession of small amounts of cannabis. The measure is now set for one final vote in the Senate, which could come as soon as tomorrow. Its passage in the Senate will send it to the House of Representatives for consideration.

Under the proposal – Senate Bill 364 – the possession of up to 10 grams of cannabis would no longer be a criminal penalty associated with jail time; instead, it would become a simple $100 ticket.

Philadelphia Council Committee Votes to Decriminalize Cannabis Possession

March 10, 2014March 10, 2014 by Anthony Martinelli

Philadelphia’s City Council Law and Government Committee gave unanimous approval today to a proposal to decriminalize the possession of small amounts of cannabis (one ounce), reducing the charge from an arrestable misdemeanor, to a simple ticket.

There are 4,200 arrests each year in Philadelphia for cannabis possession, something which takes up over 17,000 police hours, according to Councilmember James F. Kenney, the primary sponsor of the measure.

“To me, it makes no sense”, he says.

Maryland Senate Committee Votes to Decriminalize Cannabis Possession

April 7, 2014March 8, 2014 by Anthony Martinelli

In an 8 to 3 vote, Maryland’s Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee has approved a proposal to decriminalize the possession of small amounts of cannabis, removing the possibility of a criminal sentence, or jail time.

Under the proposal – Senate Bill 364 – the possession of up to 10 grams of cannabis would become a simple $100 ticket, rather than an arrestable misdemeanor. The proposal is designed to free up police time and resources, according to Senator Robert Zirkin, the bill’s primary sponsor.

New Hampshire House Committee Votes to Decriminalize Cannabis

March 5, 2014 by Anthony Martinelli

The New Hampshire House Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee has approved a bill 12 to 5 that would remove criminal penalties for the possession of cannabis. The measure now heads towards a full House vote, which is expected sometime this month.

House Bill 1625, sponsored by Republican Representative Adam Schroadter, would make the possession of up to an ounce of cannabis a simple $100 ticket, rather than an arrestable criminal offense. It would also make cultivation of up to six cannabis plants a Class A misdemeanor, rather than a felony.

Washington D.C. Council Approves Cannabis Decriminalization Proposal, Heads to Mayor

April 7, 2014March 4, 2014 by Anthony Martinelli

Members of the Washington D.C. Council have given final approval to a proposal to decriminalize the possession of up to an ounce of cannabis; only one councilor (Councilmember Alexander) voted in opposition. The proposal now goes to Mayor Vincent Gray – who’s in support of the measure – for consideration.

Under this new law, the possession of up to one ounce of cannabis will no longer be a criminal offense, but instead will become a $25 ticket. Current D.C. law finds the possession of any amount of cannabis a misdemeanor with a potential 6 month prison sentence.

Maryland Senate Committee to Hold Public Hearing on Cannabis Legalization and Decriminalization

February 24, 2014February 24, 2014 by Anthony Martinelli

Maryland’s Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee will be holding a public hearing this Tuesday to discuss Senate Bill 658, a proposal to legalize recreational cannabis for adults in the state. A second proposal to decriminalize cannabis possession will also be discussed.

If approved into law, Senate Bill 658 would legalize the possession of up to an ounce of cannabis, as well as the private cultivation of up to 6 plants. The measure would also legalize state-licensed cannabis retail outlets.

New Poll: 70% in Maryland Support Cannabis Decriminalization

August 24, 2014February 23, 2014 by Anthony Martinelli

A new poll released today by the Washington Post has found that 70% of those in Maryland support decriminalizing cannabis possession, reducing the charge to an $100 ticket or less. The poll found majority support among all political parties and age groups, including 59% of Republicans and 58% of those 65 and older.

The poll found the highest support for decriminalization among those that have earned a college degree (73%), and those whose income is above $100,000 a year (72%).

A plurality of the state’s voters were also found to be in support of legalizing recreational cannabis; 49% to 43%.