Governor Schwarzenegger Needs To Sign Marijuana Infraction Bill
Joe | Sep 01, 2010 | Comments 0
This past Monday the California assembly approved Senate Bill 1449 – which would reduce marijuana possession offenses to infractions in the state.
Under present law, minor marijuana possession for non-medical purposes is classified as a criminal misdemeanor. While the offense is not punishable by jail time, defendants charged under the law must appear in court, pay court costs, and attend a court-ordered diversion program. Offenders who refuse to attend the program may retain a criminal record for up to two years.
Of course if CA Prop 19 passes in November this is a moot point. But its passage is far from a guarantee, and beyond that this bill send s a good message. Every step cannabis takes away from criminality is a positive one.
If you live in CA take the time to contact the Governor’s office and urge him to sign this bill. We cannot focus too much on Prop 19 and forget about the other wheels in motion. Every bill and vote is critical to the marijuana law reform movement. We must make our voices heard when it comes to each one.
Filed Under: Activism • Exclusive Web Content • Politics • The War On Drugs
