decriminalize Archives - TheJointBlog

Maryland Proposal to Decriminalize Cannabis Takes Effect Wednesday

September 28, 2014September 26, 2014 by Anthony Martinelli

A proposal to decriminalize small amounts of cannabis will officially take effect on Wednesday, October 1st in Maryland.

Senate Bill 364, which was signed into law by Governor Martin O’Malley in April, decriminalizes the possession of up to 10 grams of cannabis, making it a simple $100 ticket for someone’s first offense. A second offense will be a ticket of $250, and all subsequent tickets will carry a maximum fine of $500. Under no circumstance will the personal possession of up to 10 grams of cannabis result in a criminal charge under the new law.

Under current Maryland law, the possession of up to 10 grams of cannabis is a misdemeanor which carries with it a potential 90 day jail sentence.

Chicago Mayor Proposes Decriminalizing Cannabis, Defelonizing Drug Possession in Illinois

September 23, 2014September 23, 2014 by Anthony Martinelli

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel called on lawmakers Tuesday to reform the state’s drug policies, including decriminalizing cannabis possession.

“Mayor Emanuel today called on the Illinois State Legislature to reform sentencing laws for low-level drug offenses, keeping non-violent offenders from a lifetime in the criminal justice system, saving taxpayer dollars, and allowing police to focus on more serious crimes”, the Mayor’s office said in a press release. “The Mayor’s proposal calls for a new state law that would reduce possession of one gram or less of any controlled substance in Illinois from a Class Four Felony to a Class A Misdemeanor. The proposal would also expand Chicago’s municipal ordinance, passed in 2012, making possession of 15 grams or less of cannabis a ticketable offense statewide”

Senate Committee Unanimously Approves Cannabis Decriminalization Bill in U.S. Virgin Islands

September 23, 2014September 22, 2014 by Anthony Martinelli

The U.S. Virgin Island’s Senate Committee on Homeland Security, Public Safety and Justice has voted 5 to 0 to approve Bill 30-0018, a proposal to decriminalize recreational cannabis.

Under the approved law, which now heads towards a full Senate vote, the possession of up to an ounce of cannabis will be decriminalized for those of all ages, reducing the charge from an arrestable misdemeanor, to a simple $100 to $200 ticket. If an individual caught possessing up to an ounce of cannabis is under 18, they’ll also be required to complete a drug awareness course, and their parents will be notified of the charge.

Cannabis Decriminalization Measure Approved 14 to 2 by Philadelphia City Council

October 5, 2014September 18, 2014 by Anthony Martinelli

The Philadelphia City Council voted Thursday to decriminalize cannabis, approving a proposal which will now go to Mayor Michael Nutter, who has stated he will sign it into law after the council made some alterations to the measure. The vote was 14 to 2, and Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey has agreed to abide by the new law.

Under the approved proposal, the possession of up to 30 grams of cannabis for those 21 and older will be decriminalized, making it a simple $25 ticket; if someone is caught smoking in public, the ticket will be raised to $100, with the individual being given the option of doing 9-hours of community service if they can’t afford the fee.

Maryland Cannabis Decriminalization Bill Takes Effect October 1st

September 8, 2014September 8, 2014 by Anthony Martinelli

Senate Bill 364, a proposal to decriminalize small amounts of cannabis, will officially take effect on October 1st in Maryland.

The measure, signed into law by the state’s governor in April, decriminalizes the possession of up to 10 grams of cannabis, making it a simple $100 ticket for someone’s first offense. A second offense will be a ticket of $250, with all subsequent tickets being a maximum fine of $500. Under no circumstance will the personal possession of up to 10 grams of cannabis result in a criminal charge.

Sante Fe City Council Passes Proposal to Decriminalize Cannabis, Takes Effect Next Month

August 28, 2014August 28, 2014 by Anthony Martinelli

The Sante Fe City Council has voted in favor of decriminalizing the possession of small amounts of cannabis after activists submitted enough signatures to put the issue to a vote this November.

Earlier this month the Sante Fe City Clerk verified that 5,754 valid signatures were submitted to put an initiative to decriminalize cannabis to a vote of the people, more than the 5,673 required. This sent the proposal to the City Council, which had the option of putting the proposal on the November ballot, or simply passing it into law; they chose the latter with a 5 to 4 vote.

Delaware House Committee Passes Proposal to Decriminalize Cannabis

June 20, 2014June 18, 2014 by Anthony Martinelli

Delaware’s House Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee has given approval to House Bill 371, a proposal to decriminalize the possession of cannabis for adults 21 and older.

Under the proposed law, introduced by Representative Helene Keeley, the possession of up to an ounce of cannabis would become a simple $250 fine for those 21 and older, rather than an arrestable misdemeanor as it is currently. The fine would double if not paid within 90 days, and laws regarding minors would remain unchanged.

Jamaica Will Soon Decriminalize Cannabis Possession

July 8, 2014June 13, 2014 by Anthony Martinelli

Jamaica will soon decriminalize the personal possession of cannabis, and will also allow possession for medical, religious and scientific purposes, according to an announcement made today by Justice Minister Mark Golding.

According to the announcement, the cabinet is supporting a soon-to-be-released proposal to decriminalize the possession of up to two ounces of cannabis, making it a simple fine rather than an arrestable offense.

Missouri Proposal That Decriminalizes Cannabis Becomes Law Without Governor’s Signature

June 18, 2014May 17, 2014 by Anthony Martinelli

Senate Bill 491, a proposal that greatly alters Missouri’s criminal code – including decriminalizing the possession of up to 10 grams of cannabis – has become law without Governor Jay Nixon’s signature. The state’s legislature approved the measure with an 169 to 17.

Under current Missouri law, the possession of any amount of cannabis can net someone a prison sentence of up to a year. Under Senate Bill 491, the charge for possessing up to 10 grams of cannabis would be reduced to a simple fine, rather than an arrestable misdemeanor. Charges involving cannabis cultivation and distribution would also be reduced.

Missouri Proposal That Would Decriminalize Cannabis Possession Approved by House and Senate, Sent to Governor

May 14, 2014May 10, 2014 by Anthony Martinelli

With overwhelming support Missouri’s House and Senate has approved Senate Bill 491, a proposal to reform the state’s criminal code which includes a provision that decriminalizes the possession of up to 10 grams of cannabis. The measure, which has been sent to Governor Jay Nixon for consideration, was approved 29 to 2 in the Senate, and 140 to 15 in the House. The supermajority vote means that the Legislature would likely override a veto if Governor Nixon decides to take that route.

Under current Missouri law, the possession of any amount of cannabis can net someone a prison sentence of up to a year. Under Senate Bill 491, the charge for possessing of up to 10 grams of cannabis would be reduced to a simple fine, similar to a traffic ticket.