“In many prohibition states, a significant portion of law enforcement and prosecutorial resources are still being directed toward arresting tens of thousands of cannabis consumers for activities that are now perfectly legal in nearly half of this country.”
The overwhelming majority of those arrested were charged with low-level marijuana possession — not cultivation, trafficking, or sales.
“State law already recognizes that no one should be in jail for possessing small amounts of marijuana; this new law similarly recognizes that no one should be in jail for possessing marijuana paraphernalia.”
“Governors and lawmakers around the country are taking steps to right the past wrongs of cannabis criminalization. It’s a shame to see Louisiana’s Governor taking the state in a different direction.”
Both bills await action from Republican Gov. Jeff Landry legislation. If the Governor fails to take action on the bills within ten days of them being transmitted, they will automatically become law.
Thanks to your advocacy, activism, and support, dozens of new marijuana laws took effect around the country this month.
“Tens of thousands of Louisianans carry the burden and stigma of a past conviction for behavior that the majority of state residents no longer believe should be a crime. Our sense of justice and our principles of fairness demand that public officials and the courts move swiftly to right the past wrongs of cannabis prohibition and criminalization.”