US Virgin Island Decriminalizes Possession Of Small Amounts Of Marijuana
Governor John deJongh Jr. had vetoed a measure that would decriminalize the possession of small amounts of marijuana. On December 19, 2014 the senate voted to override Governor de Jongh’s veto of the measure. Now the Virgin Islands will no longer prosecute those found in possession of one ounce or less of cannabis.
Before the the measure became law possession of small amounts of marijuana could result in jail time for up to a year, and the crime could result in fines up to $5,000. Though people caught with less than one ounce of marijuana now will not face time in jail, possession of less than one ounce of marijuana is still considered a civil offense resulting in a fine between $100 and $200.
Minors caught with the possession of small amounts of marijuana would only have to pay the fine, and the parents or guardians would be notified and the minor would be required to complete an approved drug awareness program within one year of the possession.
Decriminalization of marijuana is a good move in the right direction for people who need to use marijuana to treat medical issues. More work needs to be done to get people who need medical marijuana access to marijuana instead of subjecting them to fine if they are caught with the possession of less than an ounce of marijuana.
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