Bill Would Decriminalize Marijuana in South Carolina http://www.nbc26.tv/story/27675220/bill-would-decriminalize-marijuana-in-south-carolina A bill prefiled in the South Carolina House would decriminalize the possession of small amounts of marijuana for personal use. Instead of being arrested and facing possible jail time, someone caught with one ounce or less of marijuana would be given a ticket to appear in civil court. The fine for a first offense would be at least $100 but no more than $200. The fine for a second offense would be at least $200 but no more than $1,000. Rep. Mike Pitts, R-Laurens, is the sponsor of the bill and a retired Greenville Police officer. He says it may surprise people that he would introduce a bill like this. "As a law enforcement officer, the biggest thing that I see is a person can be arrested for a small amount, a half-a-joint, for instance; criminal record stays there forever unless they have it expunged," he says. "I never once had to fight a pothead. I never once had to chase a pothead. They just did not create problems. The only problems they created were for themselves,†he says. But State Law Enforcement Division Chief Mark Keel says, "As a law enforcement officer, I'm not going to be in favor of any legislation that encourages the possession of narcotics by our young people." Rep. Pitts says it's important to remember that his bill would not legalize marijuana. It would still be against the law to have it. "It's not something I would recommend doing, but it's not something that should be a criminal offense that hangs over a person's head for a lifetime," he says. He says an ounce of marijuana takes up about one-third of a typical sandwich-sized plastic bag. State lawmakers go into session January 12th. Legalization would be FAR better, but a baby step in the right direction is better than the way they are now! A few letters in support of this would be a good thing! http://www.scstatehouse.gov/legislatorssearch.php Granny
more and more money is getting tied up in the marijuana business (legal). big players (monsanto and friends) are entering the market. recently it seems like whenever there is an opportunity, a state tries to pass a bill that would relax marijuana prohibition. although there are two sides to every coin, as far as federal prohibition is concerned, there is some light at the end of the tunnel. let's hope it's not a train.
Hell yeah! capitalism will free the weed! Go Monsanto! And another Republican sponsors another MJ bill, it is about time the repubs break the code on how to get votes before the dems corner the market.
There are already similar 'decriminalization' laws in Kentucky, Mississippi, and North Carolina. Though repeat offenses are a little harsher here in KY. But first offense with half a pound or less, you're given a ticket to appear in court, you pay up to $250, and you go on your way. Will the laws regarding cultivation be the same? At least here you can grow up to five plants before it's a felony. Not so in NC, unsure about MS and other decrim states. I'd be more excited to see penalties for growing be lessened. It would definitely be nice if this bill does pass, but so-called decriminalization still isn't too much to write home. But like you said, baby steps. Cheers to stoners in SC And aldsfjlsdjflksd he called marijuana a narcotic! Narcotic is not just a fancy word for drugs, people, or should I say law enforcement. Stop bastardizing the term!
Man you're lucky! arkansas/oklahoma are probably going to be the last states that legalize it in anyway.