Alabama Marijuana | AL Marijuana AL Marijuana News and Information
The arrest records for marijuana possession outnumber any other drug arrest in Alabama. One lawmaker, Representative Patricia Todd, is hoping to reform Alabama’s laws regarding marijuana possession. In Alabama, even small possession results in a felony charge on a second offense.
Between 2010 and 2015, Alabama handed down over 5,000 felony marijuana convictions, according to AL.com. It cost the state $13 million in 2010 to enforce the state’s marijuana laws. Due to felony conviction status, these Alabamians lose their right to vote and are being turned down for jobs.
Young people with marijuana convictions lose the opportunity to apply for student financial aid. The effects of Alabama’s strict prohibition laws take a bigger toll on the individual than the “crime” deserves.
House Bill 269 would change penalties for marijuana possession of an ounce or less. Instead of being adorned with shiny silver bracelets and being carted off to jail, offenders would get a $250 fine for a first offense instead. If this bill passes, the fine would max out at $500 after the first offense. No criminal charges would be filed either.
The goal of House Bill 269 is to save the state money, stop needless convictions and stop needlessly creating criminal records for those just using marijuana.
If Alabama passes House Bill 269, it would be the 14th state in the U.S. to decriminalize possession of marijuana. Several lawmakers across the state believe that it is time for Alabama to reform its marijuana laws and pass commonsense reform.
