Two bills would decrease marijuana penalties

Two bills have been introduced in the Arkansas House that would decrease penalties for possession of small amounts of marijuana. H.B. 2494, introduced by Rep. Jim Lendall (D-Mabelvale), would set a maximum fine of $200 for possession of less than one ounce of marijuana.

H.B. 2596, introduced by Rep. Bill Pritchard (R-Elkins), would more generally reduce the penalties for marijuana possession. It would also provide sentencing alternatives for offenders.

Arkansas is in financial trouble—a projected $224 million budget shortfall. These bills would allow scarce state funds to be spent where they are desperately needed, rather than on minor marijuana offenders. Contact your legislators and urge them to help balance the state budget by supporting these bills.

Please take a few moments to Take Action. After you choose your favorite pre-written letter and type in your address, our site will automatically e-mail your letter to your legislators … all with the click of a few buttons. The whole process takes less than two minutes, but it makes a world of difference. Also, you can print the letters and send them to your legislators through regular mail.

Your legislators need to know that Arkansans support sensible measures to save state funds. For the full text of these bills, see Bills Pending.

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