Albuquerque Considers Decriminalizing Marijuana

Albuquerque is attempting to do away with jail time for anyone who is caught with an ounce or less of marijuana within the city limits.  If the measure proposed by city council member Rey Garduno passes then jail time will be replaced with a small fine.

Garduno says that his proposition has the potential to save the city upwards of $5 million in legal fees alone.  The law currently states that anyone caught with marijuana will be issued a $50 ticket and have to spend up to 15 days in jail, but if Garduno’s measure is approved this will simply be reduced to a $25 ticket.

The petition put together by Garduno has already gathered over 16,000 signatures from residents of Albuquerque who would like to see this measure put on the November ballot.

“This is directed at young people who may find themselves arrested and how it could affect their lives in the future,” said Garduno.  “We’re treating people as criminals when alcohol and even tobacco may even be worse.”

There has been no word yet from city officials, as the mayor’s office said that they “do not comment on pending legislation.”

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