The Nevada Supreme CourtÕs Judicial Assessment Commission is urging the state legislature to lower the severity of simple marijuana possession throughout the state.
The commission has suggested the state, the last state to maintain a felony penalty for marijuana possession, amend Nevada’s marijuana law to reduce the penalty for possession of less than an ounce of marijuana to a misdemeanor citation, resulting in no arrest and a fine. Possession of one to four ounces of marijuana would be considered a gross misdemeanor and punishable of up to a year in jail. Presently a marijuana possession arrest of any amount is considered a felony and carries a one to four year prison term and a $5,000 fine.
“Nevada is the only state that treats these crimes as felonies,” said Justice of the Peace, Nancy Oesterle, speaking for the commission. “The committee specifically does not condone these two crimes, but it wants the law to be applicable to whatÕs really happening in the court system. This is a realistic approach to these crimes.”
“For a state with legalized gambling and prostitution, it has always seemed incongruous to treat marijuana smoking as a felony offense,” said Keith Stroup, NORML Executive Director. “It’s good to see the state acknowledge and address this problem.”
For more information, please contact Keith Stroup, NORML Executive Director at (202) 483-5500.
