Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote on a motion to reconsider a bill that reduces penalties for possession of marijuana.

Highlights:

• Amends the penalties for an individual who is convicted of possession of marijuana, tetrahydrocannabinol, or chemical derivatives of marijuana as follows (Sec. 1):
• For a first conviction, a fine of no more than $500, reduces the prison sentence from no more than 6 months in a parish jail to a prison sentence of no more than 6 months, or both;
• For a second conviction, reduces the fine from no more than $2,000 to no more than $500, reduces the prison sentence from 5 years to 2 years, or both;
• For a third conviction, reduces the fine from no more than $5,000 to no more than $2,000, reduces the prison sentence from 20 years to 5 years, or both; and
• For a fourth or subsequent conviction, establishes a fine of no more than $2,000, a prison sentence of 8 years, or both.

• Establishes penalties for an individual who is convicted of possession of synthetic marijuana as follows (Sec. 1):
• For a first conviction, a fine of no more than $500, a prison sentence of no more than 6 months, or both;
• For a second conviction, a fine between $250 and $2,000, a prison sentence of no more than 5 years, or both; and
• For a third or subsequent conviction, a sentence of imprisonment for no more than 20 years and may also be fined no more than $5,000.

• Specifies that the provisions of this bill do not apply to current or prior convictions related to possession of marijuana, tetrahydrocannabinol, chemical derivatives of marijuana, or synthetic marijuana (Sec. 2).

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that reduces penalties for possession of marijuana.

Highlights:

• Amends the penalties for an individual who is convicted of possession of marijuana, tetrahydrocannabinol, or chemical derivatives of marijuana as follows (Sec. 1):
• For a first conviction, a fine of no more than $500, reduces the prison sentence from no more than 6 months in a parish jail to a prison sentence of no more than 6 months, or both;
• For a second conviction, reduces the fine from no more than $2,000 to no more than $500, reduces the prison sentence from 5 years to 2 years, or both;
• For a third conviction, reduces the fine from no more than $5,000 to no more than $2,000, reduces the prison sentence from 20 years to 5 years, or both; and
• For a fourth or subsequent conviction, establishes a fine of no more than $2,000, a prison sentence of 8 years, or both.

• Establishes penalties for an individual who is convicted of possession of synthetic marijuana as follows (Sec. 1):
• For a first conviction, a fine of no more than $500, a prison sentence of no more than 6 months, or both;
• For a second conviction, a fine between $250 and $2,000, a prison sentence of no more than 5 years, or both; and
• For a third or subsequent conviction, a sentence of imprisonment for no more than 20 years and may also be fined no more than $5,000.

• Specifies that the provisions of this bill do not apply to current or prior convictions related to possession of marijuana, tetrahydrocannabinol, chemical derivatives of marijuana, or synthetic marijuana (Sec. 2).

Full Bill Text