New Mexico penalty for possession could soon be $50 fine
Published: Mar 3, 2017, 8:55 am • Updated: Mar 3, 2017, 8:55 am
By The Associated Press
SANTA FE, N.M. — Criminal penalties in New Mexico for possession of small amounts of marijuana would be replaced with a $50 fine under a bill approved by the state Senate.
The Senate voted Thursday to replace penalties including possible jail time for low-level marijuana possession violations with a purely monetary penalty.
Possession of a half-ounce or less of marijuana or drug paraphernalia would be handled much like a traffic ticket, with no court appearances unless the $50 fine is challenged.
More New Mexico stories
- The largest medical marijuana grow op in U.S., nearly 6 million square feet, breaks ground in New Mexico
- New Mexico GOP calls out House Speaker for failing to disclose cannabis ties
- New Mexico Senate approves new medical marijuana conditions and higher plant limits
Democratic Sen. Joseph Cervantes of Las Cruces says the changes would free up resource for courts, prosecutors and defense attorneys to focus on pursuing violent crime cases amid a state budget crisis.
Eight Republicans and one Democrat voted against the bill. The proposal now moves to the House of Representatives.
Topics: decriminalization, marijuana possession, New Mexico
