New Mexico Decriminalizes up to 4 ounces of Marijuana if Passed
Things are looking up in the Land of Enchantment. New Mexico is moving forward with a bill that would make possession of up to four ounces of cannabis no longer a criminal offense.
Polling showed 57% of New Mexico residents support decriminalizing cannabis, the state's House Committee on Consumer and Public Affairs approved a measure doing just that, with a vote of 3-2.
The measure, House Bill 465, would make possession of up to four ounces of cannabis no longer a criminal offense. It would instead be a civil infraction, and offenders would be given a ticket. The fines are as follows:
Possession of up to an ounce would be a $50 fine
Possession of one to four ounces would be a $100 fine.
Possession of four to eight ounces would still be a misdemeanor offense, but the penalty would be significantly reduced, doing away with the 1 year maximum sentence and change the fine from $1,000 to $300.
The bill is sponsored by newly elected Albuquerque fire captain Emily Kane.