Louisiana could decriminalize marijuana

The Louisiana Senate is one step away from decriminalizing possession of marijuana.

A senate committee passed a proposed bill on to the full Senate that would make possession of up to 14 grams a misdemeanor, with less than a one hundred dollar fine and no jail time.

Louisiana Governor John Bell Edwards has indicated that if the legislation reaches his desk, he will sign it into law. The legislation already has bipartisan support in the House of Representatives.

Efforts to legalize marijuana completely stalled in the house earlier this month. Advocates had pushed hard for complete legalization but efforts stalled in committee surrounding how distribution would be regulated and taxed. Under the current proposal if someone possesses 14 grams or less, they face up to $300 in fines and up to 15 days in jail for the first conviction. For possession of more than 14 grams, the fine goes up to $500 and up to six months in jail.