A bill that would decriminalize possession of small amounts of marijuana is scheduled for final passage in the Louisiana Senate on Sunday – a turn of events that supporters see as a sign of growing acceptance of marijuana use in the state.
House Bill 652, authored by Rep. Cedric Glover (D-Shreveport), would reduce criminal penalties for possession of 14 grams or less of marijuana to a fine of not more than $100. Under current law, the penalty for the same offense is a fine of not more than $300, imprisonment for up to 15 days or both.
For possession of more than 14 grams of marijuana, fines as high as $500, imprisonments for up to six months, or both, would apply for first-time offenders. Stiffer penalties could be given to those facing second or subsequent convictions, according to an analysis of the bill by House Legislative Services.
For offenders who allege they are unable to pay fines for marijuana possession, courts would be given discretion to offer alternatives, such as community service or installments, under the provisions of HB 652.
Erik Altieri, executive director of the National Organization of the Reform of Marijuana Laws, said the decriminalization bill would be a hopeful sign if it passes the legislature and Gov. John Bel Edwards signs it.
“While decriminalizing the possession of marijuana is a positive development that will undoubtedly lead to fewer Louisianians arrested and given a criminal record, it does not go quite far enough in terms of achieving true justice or in relation to what the people of the state truly want,” Altieri said in an email to the Louisiana Record.
He pointed to the results of recent statewide polls showing that 67 percent of Louisiana residents support legalizing recreational marijuana for adults.
“Next session, state lawmakers should embrace the will of the people and end their failed prohibition once and for all by legalizing and regulating possession and sale of cannabis,” Altieri said.
Signs of relaxed penalties for marijuana possession can also be seen at the municipal level in Louisiana. Several of the state’s largest cities, including New Orleans and Baton Rouge, have reduced the punishment for small amounts of marijuana.