Louisiana Governor Signs Marijuana Decriminalization Bill

By Andrew Ward

Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards signed House Bill 652 to decriminalize small amounts of possession of cannabis for personal use.

Possession of up to 14 grams is no longer classified as a criminal offense, but as an administrative offense. Those caught breaking the law face a fine of $ 100 with no prison sentence.

Photo by Elsa Olofsson via Unsplash

“It essentially provides for the officer to issue a ticket with no jail time,” Shreveport Rep. Alan Seabaugh told the Daily Advertiser of the bill signed Tuesday.

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Only the property has been revised within the framework of the legislation. Laws against proliferation and unlicensed cultivation remain in effect.

Governor says goodbye despite cannabis concerns

In a Twitter statement, Governor Edwards, who excelled as one of the few remaining Democratic governors suspicious of cannabis legalization, said he did not take the decision lightly. He said the bill was passed with bipartisan support after “a robust discussion” about the effects of the ongoing drug war on cannabis.

Governor Edwards released the following statement today, following the signing of House Bill 652 by MP Cedric Glover, lowering penalties for possession of small amounts of marijuana. # lagov # lalegepic.twitter.com / HqjoBa0WZv

– John Bel Edwards (@LouisianaGov) June 15, 2021

The governor rejected the idea that the law decriminalized cannabis, noting that small fines continued to be imposed. Still, the bill rules out the possibility that arrest for possession of small quantities of cannabis would result in jail time – an essential step – cannabis reform advocates usually demand.

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Governor Edwards has additional cannabis laws anticipating his signature, with a medical bill allowing smokable flowers awaiting his decision.

This article originally appeared on Benzinga and was republished with permission.