9-01-2023 6:20pm

Six States Considering Decriminalization of Cannabis

Chris Edwards Editor

Cannabis or Marijuana decriminalization has been the buzz words in recent years. Following New Mexico and 30 states lead 6 more consider decriminalization. Presently Thirty-one states and Washington, D.C. have decriminalized or legalized cannabis possession per the Marijuana Policy Project.

Contrary to assertions made by some opponents of legalization, there is no compelling basis for claims that legalizing cannabis and establishing regulated markets undermines public safety.

Research generally shows that cannabis — unlike alcohol — is not linked to violent or aggressive behavior. In fact, research has found that cannabis use reduces the likelihood that an individual will act violently.

Meanwhile, legalizing cannabis also frees up police time for crimes with victims. In a 2018 analysis, experts at Washington State University found that police solved significantly more violent and property crimes after passage of legalization laws in Colorado and Washington.[

There are presently 6 states with decriminalization bills before them…

Alabama — SB42 would make a possession of under one ounce a civil fine only and reduce penalties for possession for an ounce or more. SB 42 also allows for expungement after five years with no criminal violations.
Georgia — SB 30 would have reduced penalties for possession of up to half an ounce of cannabis to a misdemeanor fine-only offense. The legislature adjourned without advancing it.
South Carolina — H 3561 would reduce the penalty for up to an ounce of cannabis or 10 grams of hashish to a civil citation and make other drug policy reforms. It was referred to the House Judiciary Committee. H 3803 would reduce the penalty for possession of up to an ounce of cannabis, or up to 10 grams of hashish, to a fine-only offense, with a first offense carrying between $100-200. Neither bill advanced before a crossover deadline. However, South Carolina has a two-year legislative session and they carry over to 2024.
Texas — HB 218 and HB 388 would have reduced the penalty for simple possession of cannabis to a fine-only, Class C misdemeanor. HB 218 would also have set up an expungement process. It passed out of the House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee on March 7. On April 27, the House of Representatives passed HB 218 in a 87-54 vote. It was never scheduled for a hearing in the Senate and died in committee.
Tennessee — HB 309 and SB 1072 would have reduced the penalty for simple possession of cannabis to a civil fine of $25 or community service. SB 1072 was defeated in Committee 2-7 on February 21; HB 309 was voluntarily withdrawn for consideration on February 28.
West Virginia — SB 90 would have reduced the penalty for simple possession of cannabis to a violation. The legislature has adjourned and SB 90 died without even receiving a hearing in committee.

Source: Marijuana Policy Project, Marijuana Legalization and Crime Clearance Rates: Testing Proponent Assertions in Colorado and Washington State. Police Quarterly.