Thread: Decriminalization?

Have most states decriminalized marijuana? Is the penalty, in most cases, a ticket and fine?

Originally Posted by heretoday

Have most states decriminalized marijuana? Is the penalty, in most cases, a ticket and fine?

If they have, that's definitely news to me. It seems to me that a year or so ago someone from Canada was in serious trouble with the US for distributing marijuana using the postal system.

The fellow distributing through the mail was messing with the postal service, that makes it a federal offense. I should have said that when someone here in the States talks about decriminalization, it's largely a matter of stepping down from a felony to a lesser charge, such as a misdemeanor or infraction.

Originally Posted by heretoday

Have most states decriminalized marijuana? Is the penalty, in most cases, a ticket and fine?

I, for one, think that marijuana use SHOULD be decriminalized. I have never understood why the laws prohibit marijuana use, but allow the smoking of cigarettes!

I agree with you, Chris.
YB, yes, I did have a few states in mind. The Southern states seem kind of conservative in a lot of ways, but I don't know their position about marijuana possession. A friend of mine is moving to Georgia (and will be traveling, doing business trips through the South), and this is some information I think he needs to know. Thanks.

I guess that most places have laws that would punish a small amount for personal use differently than a large amount intended for distribution?

I believe it's that way in Canada, which seems to be less conservative on the issue.

Hmm, if federal law prohibits marijuana, how could California pass a law that allows it? Wouldn't this conflict with the supremacy clause, article VI, paragraph 2 of the constitution stating the federal law supersedes the state law and constitution? Could someone explain that?