Legislators in North Dakota have introduced a measure to significantly expand cannabis decriminalization in the state. The bill, which was filed last week, would add to an initial marijuana decriminalization law that was passed in 2019. Under the current law, possession of half an ounce or less of cannabis is a crime punishable with no jail time and a fine of up to $1,000. The new resolution would make the possession of up to an ounce of marijuana a non-criminal offense punishable by a $50 fine. Additionally, possession of more than an ounce of marijuana and less than 250 grams would be treated as an infraction. For now, this charge is currently classified as a class B misdemeanor. On the other hand, possession of more than 500 grams of marijuana would be classified as a class A misdemeanor while possession of more than 250 grams of cannabis would be classified as a class B misdemeanor. The bill has been referred to the House Judiciary Committee and is being sponsored by Sen. Scott Meyer and Rep. Shannon Roers Jones in their respective chambers.
CannabisNewsWire, 01/20/2021 16:20:00