Rep. Shevrin Jones (D) has filed a bill in the Florida Assembly seeking to decriminalize the possession of up to 20grams of marijuana. This bill comes at a time when campaigners who wish to have marijuana legalized through a ballot measure have collected and submitted the number of voter signatures required before the Supreme Court of the state can review the language of their petition.
In a press release, Jones said that he was pleased to file this bill as a way to fix the broken criminal justice system of the state. The existing marijuana laws have disproportionately affected people of color who end up losing their student financial aid, access to housing loans, denial of job opportunities and so many other collateral effects of having a marijuana possession conviction on one’s criminal record. Jones adds that he is proud to introduce this law which will put an end to more Floridians being adversely affected by these laws which are implemented in a selective manner.
The bill also makes the possession of less than 600miligrams of THC a non-criminal offense that is punishable by a fine rather than jail time.
Marijuana law reform advocacy groups, such as NORML, have welcomed this new bill saying that Florida has a reputation of having some of the most draconian marijuana laws in the country, so any measure that pegs back those punitive policies will provide much needed relief. NORML pledged to support the legislator in any way they can to ensure that the draft legislation passes in both legislative chambers of the state.
Meanwhile, it isn’t yet clear whether marijuana will be legalized in Florida since attempts to do so legislatively failed and the push to refer the matter to voters is still in its infancy.
However, some jurisdictions within the state have taken matters into their own hands and they are initiating local laws decriminalizing low-level marijuana possession. Cocoa Beach for example approved a measure in May to decriminalize the possession of less than 20grams of cannabis. Tallahassee is also likely to do the same if the efforts of one local lawmaker spearheading a decriminalization drive achieve the desired outcome.
As all this is going on, the state police has admitted that the legalization of industrial hemp has made it harder to prosecute marijuana possession cases. Police officers have therefore been advised to be extra vigilant so that they don’t prosecute people for marijuana-related crimes when those people had hemp, a plant that looks like marijuana but doesn’t cause any psychoactive effects.
Industry analysts believe that cannabis industry players like Grapefruit Boulevard Investments Inc. (OTCQB: IGNG) and Green Growth Brands Inc. (CSE: GGB) (OTCQB: GGBXF) could be wondering when the federal government will reform its marijuana policies so that the fragmented reforms being seen in different states can come to an end.
About CNW420
CNW420 spotlights the latest developments in the rapidly evolving cannabis industry through the release of two informative articles each business day. Our concise, informative content serves as a gateway for investors interested in the legalized cannabis sector and provides updates on how regulatory developments may impact financial markets. Articles are released each business day at 4:20 a.m. and 4:20 p.m. Eastern – our tribute to the time synonymous with cannabis culture. If marijuana and the burgeoning industry surrounding it are on your radar, CNW420 is for you! Check back daily to stay up-to-date on the latest milestones in the fast -changing world of cannabis.
To receive instant SMS alerts, text CANNABIS to 21000 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only)
For more information please visit https://www.CNW420.com
Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the CannabisNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by CNW420, wherever published or re-published: http://CNW.fm/Disclaimer
Do you have a questions or are you interested in working with CNW420? Ask our Editor
CannabisNewsWire420
Denver, Colorado
http://www.CNW420.com
303.498.7722 Office
Editor@CannabisNewsWire.com
