cannabisnews.com: N.M. Legislature To Vote on Decriminalization





N.M. Legislature To Vote on Decriminalization
Posted by FoM on January 19, 2002 at 19:52:31 PT
Legislative Alert
Source: NORML
Recently, HB25 was introduced in the New Mexico legislature. If passed, it would decriminalize the possession of one ounce or less of marijuana, replacing criminal penalities with a $100 fine. Two years ago Governor Johnson appointed a Drug Policy Advisory Group to study the effectiveness of New Mexico’s drug laws. After nearly eight months of studying the issue, the commission concluded that marijuana smokers should no longer be arrested and treated like criminals. 
The advisory group’s report states, “Having reviewed carefully the information about marijuana and its effects, and having heard from various representatives of law enforcement, corrections and the courts, we believe that taking this step will result in greater availability of resources to respond to more serious crimes without any increased risks to public safety.” Last year in New Mexico, more than 3000 people were arrested on marijuana charges. Most of these people are no different than their non-marijuana using peers; they are otherwise law abiding citizens who work hard, raise families, and contribute to their community. Marijuana smokers are not part of the crime problem and do not deserve to be treated like criminals. Arresting responsible marijuana smokers has a devastating impact on their lives, families, and careers while diverting criminal justice resources from real crime fighting. Governor Johnson has accepted the recommendations of the advisory group and proposed a change in New Mexico’s marijuana laws. The proposed statute would eliminate criminal sanctions for the possession of one ounce or less of marijuana by anyone over the age of 18. This would ensure that otherwise law abiding citizens who smoke marijuana responsibly would no longer fear being arrested in their own homes. Civil penalties would remain for public smoking, similar to those already in place for the public consumption of alcohol. Please urge your legislator to support this marijuana decriminalization bill. It is a common sense approach that will refocus law enforcement resources on fighting violent crime. Please urge your legislators to support this legislation.Complete Title: New Mexico Legislature To Vote on Marijuana DecriminalizationNORMLhttp://www.norml.org/Governor Gary Johnson's Home Pagehttp://www.governor.state.nm.us/Legislative Action Centerhttp://capwiz.com/norml2/issues/?style=DN.M. Lawmakers Push To Change Drug Lawshttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread11713.shtmlJohnson, DEA Chief Talk Dope http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread10895.shtml
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Comment #2 posted by Lehder on January 20, 2002 at 08:35:46 PT
Marijuana smoking prevents cancer
HB25 needs amending to provide for medical expenses and compensation to the families of those who contract cancer by obeying this law. Marijuana use prevents cancer. People ought to know. To the drug warriors I recommend cigarettes. Offer cigarettes to a drug warrior today.
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Comment #1 posted by Lehder on January 20, 2002 at 06:51:35 PT
text of HB25
http://legis.state.nm.us/Sessions/02%20Regular/bills/house/HB0025.html
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