ALBUQUERQUE BECOMES SECOND CITY IN NEW MEXICO TO DECRIMINALIZE MARIJUANA
May 23, 2018
New Mexico’s biggest city last week approved an ordinance that removes criminal sanctions related to marijuana possession.
Albuquerque last week became the second city in New Mexico to decriminalize marijuana possession after Mayor Tim Keller signed into law legislation that replaces jail time with a $25 civil fine.
Under the ordinance, originally put forth by Albuquerque City Council members Pat Davis and Isaac Benton, possession of up to an ounce (28 grams) of marijuana and related paraphernalia without a valid medical marijuana referral is a citable offense, rather than a misdemeanor as the city’s law had called for before.
Davis and Benton presented the proposal as a public safety issue, arguing that decriminalizing marijuana would free up police to focus on more serious crimes. After hearing lengthy testimony from citizens, who mostly vocalized support for marijuana reform, the City Council approved the measure earlier this month with a 5-4 vote.
“Removing the criminal penalties for possession of small amounts of marijuana will free up precious resources for law enforcement, who have plenty on their plate already,” said Keller. “We’re facing real challenges in Albuquerque and this is a step in the right direction to allow our officers the flexibility to better prioritize their time tackling violent crime and property crime in our city.”
