North Carolina Making Changes.

[greenbuddha]

March 13, 2011

NC: Penalty reduction for personal possession to be debated

 

Dear Supporter:

 

Yesterday, North Carolina State Representatives, Kelly Alexander, Jr . (D – Mecklenburg) and Larry Hall (D – Durham), introduced legislation decriminalizing possession of less than an ounce of marijuana! Please e-mail your representative today and ask that he or she support HB 324.

 

HB 324 would downgrade simple possession to an infraction, instead of a misdemeanor. It would also reduce penalties for possessing up to an ounce of marijuana from either a suspended sentence (for persons with no priors who possess under half an ounce of marijuana) or possible jail time to a civil fine of up to $100.

 

HB 324 could easily save North Carolina millions in law enforcement costs while raising revenue through collection of the $100 civil infraction. In addition, it will end the heavy-handed punishment of marking individuals as criminals in their records for possession of marijuana, a mark that can prevent individuals from getting jobs and qualifying for assistance programs.

 

Please e-mail your representative today. Also, feel free to pass this along to your friends and family so they can advocate for sensible marijuana policy, too.

 

Sincerely,

 

 

Robert J. Capecchi

Legislative Analyst

Marijuana Policy Project