Bill to reduce marijuana penalties in Louisiana passes full Senate

A proposal to soften Louisiana's harsh marijuana laws by reducing penalties for possession continues to gather smoke gain steam in the Louisiana Legislature.

The Senate voted 27-12 Monday (May 25) to advance legislation that would create a new penalty system for marijuana possession dealing with amounts less than 2.5 pounds.

The measure's sponsor, J.P. Morrell, D-New Orleans, said his bill (SB 241) brings Louisiana's marijuana laws closer in line with other states, "in a way that is more humane." For example, the bill reduces the maximum penalty for possession from 20 years in prison to eight, raises the threshold for a felony-level possession charge and adds a second-chance provision for first-time offenders.

Under current law, the maximum penalties for possession of any amount of marijuana up to 60 pounds are a $500 fine and six moths in jail for a first offense (a misdemeanor), a $2,500 fine and five years in prison for a second offense (a felony); and a $5,000 fine and a 20-year prison term (a felony).

Read more: http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2015/05/marijuana_laws_louisiana_penal.html#incart_2box