THE PENALTY FOR POSSESSING AN OUNCE OR LESS OF MARIJUANA IN ALBUQUERQUE COULD BE REDUCED. MONDAY NIGHT, CITY COUNCILORS PAT DAVIS AND ISAAC BENTON JOINED EMILY KALTENBACH WITH THE DRUG POLICY ALLIANCE TO INTRODUCE A NEW ORDINANCE THAT DECRIMINALIZES HAVING AN OUNCE OR LESS OF POT IN YOUR POSSESSION.
IT DROPS THE FIRST OFFENSE FINE OF 50 DOLLARS AND 15 DAYS IN JAIL TO A CRIMINAL PENALTY OF 25 DOLLARS WITH NO JAIL TIME. IT ALSO WIPES OUT THE 500 DOLLAR FINE AND 90 DAYS IN JAIL FOR SECOND OFFENSE.
THE ORDINANCE WILL BE HEARD MARCH 12 BY THE COUNCIL’S FINANCE AND GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS COMMITTEE BEFORE HEADING TO THE FULL COUNCIL FOR A FINAL VOTE.
