Senate Passes Bill That Would Decriminalize Marijuana

By Wendy Osher
Hawai’i Island police dismantled an underground bunker marijuana-growing operation in Puna and arrested two individuals at the Glenwood home after serving a search warrant on Thursday.  Police described the building as a sophisticated operation measuring 40 by 80 feet, and containing more than 500 marijuana plants. Photo courtesy Hawaii Police Department.
Hawai’i Island police dismantled an underground bunker marijuana-growing operation in Puna and arrested two individuals at the Glenwood home after serving a search warrant on Thursday. Police described the building as a sophisticated operation measuring 40 by 80 feet, and containing more than 500 marijuana plants. Photo courtesy Hawaii Police Department.
 
The Hawai’i State Senate today passed a bill that would decriminalize the possession of small amounts of marijuana.
The amended version of Senate Bill 472 passed third reading, creating a “civil violation” for the possession of an ounce or less for intentional possession. A violation would be subject to a fine of $1,000.
Under current laws, possession under similar circumstances would be classified as a harsher violation of “criminal misdemeanor.”
SB472, SD1 passed with 25 “yes” votes, and two yes votes with reservations from Senators Ruderman and Slom.
 
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