Monroe, LA – According to the officials, this bill will make the penalty for smoking pot no more than a traffic ticket.
Gov. Edwards just needs to sign it into law.
The full Senate voted 20-17 in favor of the measure.
Edwards hasn’t yet taken a public position on House Bill 652.
The bill would make possession of 14 grams or less a misdemeanor in all cases and limit the fine to $100 with no jail time.
The bill does not alter the penalties for someone who is distributing marijuana, only for possession.
A bill from Republican state Rep. Richard Nelson that would legalize the sale and use of marijuana died in the House earlier in the session.
