In Montana, a higher percentage of marijuana possession cases result in arrest than cases of aggravated assault, vehicle theft, and rape. Supporters of House Bill 541 believe that reducing penalties for possession of small amounts of marijuana would allow law enforcement to focus on more violent crimes, and reduce the burden on overcrowded court systems and jails. They believe that criminalizing individuals and forcing them to live with the stigma of arrest and incarceration is damaging, and that the punishment does not fit the crime.
If the bill passes, possession of marijuana in the amount of 30 grams or less would result in seizure and a $100 fine. Opponents warn that this is too risky, and they are concerned that this leniency would alter public perception and send the message that marijuana is not a big deal.
Proponents of HB 541 want to make it clear that they are not advocating marijuana use, but attempting to revise a policy that they believe is harmful, ineffective, and expensive. Opponents caution that passing this bill would send the state on a slippery slope, and urge legislators to keep this in mind.
Bless the editor who gave the green light to that lede! I’ve often said that for cops, arresting pot smokers is like shooting fish in a barrel. We’re cooperative, compliant, honest, non-violent, and unfortunately, usually all too eager to present the officer with an airtight case. If your job required you to deal with the worst of the worst, violent, predatory, scum of the earth criminals, drunken louts beating their girlfriends, and the sheer boredom of waiting for traffic stops, a nice easy marijuana arrest makes for a better evening.
You can visit the link to see video of hearing on HB 541. I also particularly liked the comment from Jim Hemmerich, though I don’t think cannabis use is a vice.
