Starting in 2016, officers in the United State’s fourth largest city will not be arresting citizens caught with small amounts of marijuana. Because of a new policy outlined by the Harris County District Attorney, authorities in Houston will simply cite and release anyone found with two ounces or less of marijuana. Those who are cited must go to a drug rehabilitation program, which is filled with class work and community service. When finishing the program, defendants will not need to face any other penalties; there will be no crimes charged and the person will not have a criminal record.
After one is caught with the marijuana a second time, though, one will not have such a luxury. However, Texas is gladly welcoming any sort of decriminalization. The state’s officers arrest almost 75,000 offenders for violating marijuana possession laws yearly, which is the second-highest number in the country. Under Texas’s laws, the possession of two ounces or less of marijuana is currently considered a criminal misdemeanor and can result in 180 days in jail, a $2,000 fine as well as a criminal record.
In 2007, lawmakers in Texas permitted police in local jurisdictions to cite instead of arresting small pot offenders. Even then, sundry police departments have decided to continue arresting these minor offenders rather than following the new law.
Houston is one of the most populated cities in the United States with 2.2 million people. Recently, officials in many other metropolitan areas (Milwaukee, Philadelphia, Miami-Dade and Broward counties in Florida) have issues respective ordinances that have resulted in less marijuana-related arrests.
MAPH Enterprises, LLC | (305) 414-0128 | 1501 Venera Ave, Coral Gables, FL 33146 | new@marijuanastocks.com
