In November, the Louisiana Sentencing Commission struck down the idea of reducing sentences for people convicted of marijuana possession. However, after heated debate Thursday, the commission voted favorably on a measure that WOULD reduce sentences.

Gov. Bobby Jindal responded late Thursday to the Sentencing Commission’s actions in a prepared statement: “We have not reviewed the specifics of these bills, but in general we are in favor of passing common-sense sentencing reforms that, when appropriate, lessen sentences for nonviolent drug use offenders while focusing on rehabilitation for offenders.”

Here's what it all really means. Currently, an offender convicted for the third time for possession of marijuana faces a sentence of up 20 years in prison and a $5,000 fine. The new legislation would reduce third-offense penalties to a maximum of five years in prison and a $2,000 fine.

By comparison, Kentucky reduced all simple possession of marijuana convictions to sentences of no more than 45 days. Mississippi charges a fine for the first offense and limits the jail term to six months for a conviction on a third offense.

What do YOU think? Should Louisiana lessen it's penalties for marijuana possession? For more about this, head over to theadvocate.com

 

 

 

 

 

More From 97.3 The Dawg