Calif.: Ask your assemblymember to downgrade the penalty for marijuana cultivation

Published: May 23, 2011

Late last week, the Assembly Committee on Appropriations approved AB 1017, a bill that would downgrade the penalty for illegal marijuana cultivation from a mandatory felony to a “wobbler” – a discretionary felony or misdemeanor. The bill is now awaiting a full Assembly vote. Please take two minutes of your time to call and ask for your assemblymember’s support on this bill.

Allowing a judge or District Attorney discretion in charging and sentencing will reduce the chances that non-violent marijuana cultivators will be treated like dangerous and violent criminals.

This morning, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld a ruling ordering California to reduce its state prison population by more than 30,000 prisoners. The prisons are so overcrowded that conditions violate the Eighth Amendment ban on cruel and unusual punishment. In the wake of this decision, legislators should be told how important it is that prison space be available to violent criminals and others who have victims, rather than non-violent marijuana growers.

Please take action today in support of AB 1017.