Decriminalization of cannabis takes effect in Louisiana

The decriminalization of cannabis took effect in Louisiana last Sunday. Democratic Governor John Bell Edwards signed the law in June, and he stressed that it was «not a decision [...] taken lightly,» but acknowledged that the criminalization has had major consequences for families and taxpayers.

Under the new law, possession of up to 14 grams of cannabis is now punishable by a fine of 100$, with no threat of jail time. The governor objected to the definition of this policy as «decriminalization», even though technically it is.

«When I saw two city council members from my hometown of Shreveport-one conservative and one progressive-unite to decriminalize marijuana possession for personal use, I knew it was time to bring this reform to the state level,» said Cedric Glover, sponsor of the bill. «Criminalizing marijuana possession is detrimental to the people of Louisiana in many ways, but it is especially detrimental to black and brown communities, low-income people and young people. My fervent hope is that this new law will finally bring some relief and a sense of freedom to these communities.»

When finding common ground leads to doing the common good.
Many thanks to Shreveport Councilmembers Tabatha Taylor and John Nickleson for leading the way and the #LaLege for pushing it through.#Act247 #HB652 #1stDeepSouthState pic.twitter.com/KYb8cfmdsQ

- Cedric B. Glover (@MayorGlover) August 1, 2021

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The pressure group Louisiana Progress, who accompanied Congressman Glover to pass decriminalization, hopes that legislators will not stop at simple decriminalization and adopt broader cannabis legalization in a future session.

«The decriminalization of cannabis is an important victory for criminal justice reform in Louisiana, especially for traditionally marginalized communities that were disproportionately criminalized under prohibition,» says the group. «But we must continue to fight to end cannabis prohibition. This could be hugely beneficial, including bringing dozens of new small businesses and hundreds, if not thousands, of new jobs to Louisiana.»

The legislation marks a significant expansion of the limited state medical cannabis program. As things stand, patients can vaporize cannabis preparations using a «metered dose inhaler», but cannot have access to the whole flower, and smoking is prohibited.