A bill recently filed by Rep. Patricia Todd (D-Birmingham) would decriminalize the possession of up to an ounce of marijuana. Currently, possession of marijuana in that amount is a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by jail time and fines. Todd’s bill, HB257, would make it simply a ticket offense.
“Possession charges for people clog up a lot of our court services,” Todd said. “This would help eliminate some of that bottleneck.”
The bill would specifically lower penalties for recreational users, not dealers who may be in possession of much higher quantities. Further, Todd believes the change would create much needed revenue for the state as offenders are forced to pay tickets.
“I believe it’s safer than alcohol,” Todd said. “If people could take their emotions out of it, I think most people would agree with me.”
Todd noted that she has spoken with law enforcement officials and most are supportive of the measure, specifically because it takes a lot of the work out of processing and jailing non-violent marijuana offenders, though she expects opposition from area district attorneys.
Todd added that she based her bill off of a similar bill passed in Georgia, which makes possession of an ounce punishable by only a ticket. In Georgia, the law calls for arresting anyone caught with more than an ounce – Todd’s legislation retracts that language, making simple possession penalties no worse than speeding tickets. Todd even added that speeding is likely more dangerous than marijuana.
“It’s a better tactic than what we’re currently doing,” Todd said. “We need to deal in reality.”
While her bill does not specifically address medical marijuana, Todd believes that the state could make substantive moves in providing marijuana-based treatments to Alabama residents. CBD oil, which moved into the public lexicon with the passing of “Carly’s Law” and the impending passage of “Leni’s Law,” could be better manufactured to help desperate people if Auburn University were allowed to begin growing marijuana and looking at ways to extract the needed chemical for the medicine, Todd believes.
The bill is not slated for a committee hearing yet, but it will likely make it onto the docket in the coming weeks.
Alabama Rep. Patricia Todd files bill to decriminalize pot possession https://t.co/X2HRlrKfRv #ALPolitics AlabamaToday #ALToday
RT @AlabamaToday: Alabama Rep. Patricia Todd files bill to decriminalize pot possession https://t.co/Y9OQezVnIV #ALPolitics
RT @AlabamaToday: Alabama Rep. Patricia Todd files bill to decriminalize pot possession https://t.co/Y9OQezVnIV #ALPolitics
RT @PhilAmmann: Alabama Rep. Patricia Todd files bill to decriminalize pot possession https://t.co/X2HRlrKfRv #ALPolitics AlabamaToday #ALT…
RT @PhilAmmann: Alabama Rep. Patricia Todd files bill to decriminalize pot possession https://t.co/X2HRlrKfRv #ALPolitics AlabamaToday #ALT…
RT @PhilAmmann: Alabama Rep. Patricia Todd files bill to decriminalize pot possession https://t.co/X2HRlrKfRv #ALPolitics AlabamaToday #ALT…
RT @AlabamaToday: Alabama Rep. Patricia Todd files bill to decriminalize pot possession https://t.co/Y9OQezVnIV #ALPolitics
Alabama Rep. Patricia Todd files bill to decriminalize pot possession https://t.co/6WICapDpbF
Alabama Rep. Patricia Todd files bill to decriminalize pot possession https://t.co/GX2ffq1CaR
Alabama Rep. Patricia Todd files bill to decriminalize pot possession https://t.co/rYIAPbQcsm
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Alabama Rep. Patricia Todd files bill to decriminalize pot possession https://t.co/w2KQIYmhwY
Alabama Rep. Patricia Todd files bill to decriminalize pot possession https://t.co/iSGKGri32D
Alabama https://t.co/87zUiFBc4V
Alabama Rep. Patricia Todd files bill to decriminalize pot possession https://t.co/zLy5cX17wh
Alabama Rep. Patricia Todd files bill to decriminalize pot possession https://t.co/yPvHJwDLyS
Alabama Rep. Patricia Todd files bill to decriminalize pot possession https://t.co/G6xeLlgUEb
Alabama Rep. Patricia Todd files bill to decriminalize pot possession https://t.co/fdaD99fBOQ
RT https://t.co/fRSShVKfRF Alabama Rep. Patricia Todd files bill to decriminalize pot possession https://t.co/AqzbOzcghf
Alabama Rep. Patricia Todd files bill to decriminalize pot possession https://t.co/WOL4fiFeAp
RT @PhilAmmann: Alabama Rep. Patricia Todd files bill to decriminalize pot possession https://t.co/X2HRlrKfRv #ALPolitics AlabamaToday #ALT…
Legislation needs to quit dliiy dallying around with the marijuana laws.There is an industry over half the country is involed in and Alabama isn’t in the mix.They are too worried about control.I dont see you stopping me from eating a dozen oranges but you stop me from using a herb,that is good for me.Not one person in history has ever died from the use of marijuana,but it has saved lives,and made lives bearable.Tell me again why its illegal???Get your thumbs out of your seats and just abolish existing marijuana laws…
Check your FACTS, Stoner
http://www.foodsafetynews.com/2015/03/third-death-in-colorado-linked-to-edible-marijuana/#.Vs9eKOZyRo8
RT @MajJackDowning: Alabama Rep. Patricia Todd files bill to decriminalize pot possession https://t.co/WOL4fiFeAp
Alabama Rep. Patricia Todd files bill to decriminalize pot possession https://t.co/SRIvyXSxj8
RT @CGKIII: Alabama Rep. Patricia Todd files bill to decriminalize pot possession https://t.co/SRIvyXSxj8
They need to shit https://t.co/1JzXJRz6xy
Alabama Rep. Patricia Todd files bill to decriminalize pot possession https://t.co/XVLAJJIcyJ
Alabama Rep. Patricia Todd files bill to decriminalize pot possession https://t.co/QznMZgFTre
Alabama Rep. Patricia Todd files bill to decriminalize #Marijuana possession > https://t.co/tJxqOKCNtt
Finally! Let’s all get behind this Representative and get this passed!
@sgrimes10 Finally! Let’s all get behind this Representative and get this passed!
State Rep. Patricia Todd files bill to decriminalize pot possession https://t.co/vZxQCj9ZmL
Well, @Ganjalina420 it isn’t much but it’s progress I’ll keep you updated. https://t.co/SgMOuzHq3W
State Rep. Patricia Todd files bill to decriminalize pot possession https://t.co/yLyTHNTr90
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Alabama Rep. Patricia Todd files bill to decriminalize pot possession https://t.co/noyr6JbqRz
RT @Norstackk: State Rep. Patricia Todd files bill to decriminalize pot possession https://t.co/yLyTHNTr90
RT @Norstackk: State Rep. Patricia Todd files bill to decriminalize pot possession https://t.co/yLyTHNTr90
RT @Norstackk: State Rep. Patricia Todd files bill to decriminalize pot possession https://t.co/yLyTHNTr90
Alabama Rep. Patricia Todd files bill to decriminalize pot possession https://t.co/aTQYHm3wgX
Alabama Rep. Patricia Todd files bill to decriminalize pot possession https://t.co/yHV0hVmabg
RT @Alabama_Mmjc: Alabama Rep. Patricia Todd files bill to decriminalize pot possession https://t.co/GX2ffq1CaR
Alabama Rep. Patricia Todd files bill to decriminalize pot possession https://t.co/6jLvqkhpxT
Alabama State Rep. Patricia Todd files bill to decriminalize pot possession @LOCAL15NEWS @FOX10News @WKRG https://t.co/6WICapV03d
Alabama Rep. Patricia Todd files bill to decriminalize pot possession https://t.co/lKxCUUThM1
RT @WC4cannabis: Alabama Rep. Patricia Todd files bill to decriminalize pot possession https://t.co/lKxCUUThM1
State Rep. Patricia Todd files bill to decriminalize pot possession https://t.co/gxvGwK4MNj
Alabama Rep. Patricia Todd files bill to decriminalize pot possession #jlabnews #jrn3315 https://t.co/PMyvdcWQ12
Goddamnit! legalize the stuff, Marijuana will help make life Much better so long as we can ,already and quit trying to control how we live our lives, we aren’t that stupid, work with us to help improve the way we live because, It’s been proven to be healthy for the cannabis oil that cures cancer and it’s just plain fun to smoke the stuff every once in awhile because we need to enjoy life, it can help take stress off a person as well, lets learn to love ourselves and do ourselves a favor and plant this stuff
Alabama Rep. Patricia Todd files bill to decriminalize pot possession https://t.co/iFXEDBlxrL
Patricia Todd! What wonderful law maker! I don’t use alcohol or pot but it’s a proven fact that alcohol is much worse than pot all around! This will be passed if people can get beyond religion In this great state and their emotions, like she said!
I have Epilepsy an this so called MEDICAID=what a joke I can’t find a real doctor. The whole list of doctors that are stuposidly medical first are actually nurses. Medicaid is being used more than Marijuana. PLEASE
IF YOU HAVE A HEART OR CARE ABOUT ANYONE, WHO IS SICK LIKE ME
PLEASE PLEASE ☆FREE THA WEED☆
Marijuana helps me with my Epilepsy everyday, BUT enough for a cup of coffee has taken my RIGHTS if we actually have any.
I need one of these Obama Care Raises or at least my rights back.
I WANT TO WORK, I HATE BEING DISABLED AND BARELY CAN SURVIVE.
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