Marijuana Decrim In Arizona? Pot Could Become $100 Fine

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Graphic: Reality Catcher
Arizonans could be paying only a $100 fine for possession of two ounces or less of marijuana if Rep. John Fillmore’s bill passes and is signed by the governor

​The penalty for possession of two ounces or less of marijuana could soon carry a fine of only $100 in Arizona.

Pot isn’t a gateway drug, as critics claim, and all the time and money spent on marijuana prohibition would be better spent elsewhere, according to State Rep. John Fillmore (R-Apache Junction). Under his decriminalization bill, minor pot possession would become a petty offense, reports Ray Stern at Phoenix New Times.

Fillmore said he’s currently looking into how much money the state would save if his bill, HB 2228, passes.


Photo: AFRW
Rep. John Fillmore: Money and time wasted by law enforcement on marijuana prohibition would be better spent elsewhere

​Among his biggest concerns are the young people who get caught “experimenting” with pot, often ending up with permanent arrest and conviction records.
“This would protect them from having that blemish,” Fillmore said.
So far the reception among his GOP colleagues has been “a lot of smiles and laughs,” according to Fillmore.
The bill, which according to New Times is seen as a long shot, has been assigned to the Rules Committee.
Fillmore’s not sure if it’ll even get a hearing, much less end up passing and being signed by the governor.
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