Pot Heads Of Houston, Rejoice – Marijuana Possession Is Now Decriminalized
Starting Wednesday, people who are caught with small amounts of marijuana in Harris County, Texas, will have a get-out-of-jail-free card.
Last month, Texas police announced a new policy, effective March 1, that offers a four-hour drug education class to anyone found with less than four ounces of marijuana – which means, no jail time, no tickets, no court appearances, and no criminal record.
The classes cost $150; financial aid will be available to people who are unable to pay. Those who refuse to take the course will be taken to jail and charged.
“We have spent in excess of $250 million, over a quarter-billion dollars, prosecuting a crime that has produced no tangible evidence of improved public safety,” Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg told the Houston Chronicle. “We have disqualified, unnecessarily, thousands of people from greater job, housing and educational opportunities by giving them a criminal record for what is, in effect, a minor law violation.”
