Signed by Governor Bobby Jindal

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

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

Highlights:

• Amends the penalties for an individual convicted for possession of marijuana, tetrahydrocannabinol, or chemical derivatives as follows (Sec. 1):
• For a first time conviction where the individual possesses 14 grams of marijuana or less, pay a fine of no more than $300, be imprisoned for no more than 15 days, or both;
• For a first time conviction where the individual possesses more than 14 grams of marijuana, pay a fine of no more than $500, be imprisoned for no more than 6 months, or both; 
• For a second time conviction where the individual possesses any amount of marijuana, pay a fine of no more than $1,000, be imprisoned for no more 6 months, or both;
• For a third time conviction where the individual possesses any amount of marijuana, pay a fine of no more than $2,500, be imprisoned for no more than 2 years, or both; and
• For a fourth time conviction where the individual possesses any amount of marijuana, pay a fine of no more than $5,000, be imprisoned for no more than 8 years, or both.

• Specifies that individuals who have not been convicted of a marijuana-related offense 2 years after the completion of his or her sentence may not have that conviction used as a prior offense (Sec. 1). 

• Specifies that individuals knowingly possessing between 2.5 and 60 pounds of marijuana shall be imprisoned 2 to 10 years, pay a fine of $10,000 to $30,000, or both (Sec. 1).  

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

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

Highlights:

• Reduces the penalties for an individual previously convicted for possession of marijuana, tetrahydrocannabinol, or chemical derivatives thereof, as follows (Sec. 1):
• For a second time conviction, pay a fine of no more than $500, be imprisoned for no more than 2 years, or both;
• For a third time conviction, pay a fine of no more than $2,000, be imprisoned for no more than 5 years, or both; and
• For a fourth time or subsequent conviction, pay a fine of no more than $2,000, be imprisoned for no more than 8 years, or both. 

Full Bill Text