North Dakota Considers Decriminalizing Low-Level Marijuana Possession
A new bill being considered by the North Dakota Legislature aims to treat possession of small amounts of marijuana like a traffic ticket, with a $150 fine but no criminal charges. The bill, which passed the House with a 76-17 vote, would apply to individuals caught with less than half an ounce of marijuana.
According to bill sponsor Rep. Liz Conmy, the majority of marijuana cases in North Dakota courts involve possession of less than half an ounce, with most ending in a $150 fine. The bill aims to reduce the burden on the court system by allowing these cases to be resolved with a fine, rather than requiring multiple court appearances.
The bill also reduces penalties for possession of larger amounts of marijuana, but possession of more than 500 grams would still be considered a Class A misdemeanor. Individuals who feel wrongly accused of possession would still have the option to make their case to a judge.
North Dakota state’s attorneys and the North Dakota Legal Counsel for Indigents have expressed support for the bill, citing the need to free up prosecutors’ and law enforcement’s time, as well as reduce the workload on the court system. The bill is now being considered by the Senate.
