DON’T DRIVE HIGH IN ALBUQUERQUE. THAT’S STILL AGAINST THE LAW. BUT IF POLICE CATCH YOU IN POSSESSION OF AN OUNCE OR LESS OF MARIJUANA, YOU WON’T DO JAIL TIME. AS OF FRIDAY, APRIL 20TH. THE NEW PENALTY FOR HOLDING THAT MUCH POT IS JUST A 25 DOLLAR FINE. THE FIRST OFFENSE ONCE MEANT 15 DAYS IN JAIL AND A 50 DOLLAR FINE.
COUNCILOR PAT DAVIS, WHO CO-SPONSORED THE MEASURE WITH COUNCILOR ISAAC BENTON, SAYS RESPONSE TO A CITIZEN SURVEY HELPED MOVE THE LEGISLATION FORWARD. ABOUT 9-TO-1 WERE IN FAVOR OF DECRIMINALIZING AN OUNCE OR LESS OF THE DRUG IN THAT SURVEY.
DURING 2016, THERE WERE 177 DRUG VIOLATIONS LISTING POSSESSION OF MARIJUANA AS THE HIGHEST OR ONLY OFFENSE.
