Tomorrow, the Louisiana House of Representatives will consider HB 149, a bill that would reduce the penalties for second and subsequent marijuana possession charges. Although penalties would still be staggering for possessing a substance that is safer than alcohol, HB 149 is an important step forward — it could shave years off of marijuana consumers’ sentences. [caption id="attachment_8775" align="alignright" width="240"] HB 149 sponsor Rep. Austin Badon[/caption] While first offense marijuana possession…

Yesterday, Louisiana state Rep. Austin Badon’s HB 103, a bill that would reduce marijuana possession penalties for second and subsequent offenses, passed the House 54-38. Unfortunately, time is running short on this year’s session. The Louisiana Legislature plans to adjourn June 6, so the Senate must act quickly to pass this sensible reform. [caption id="attachment_6494" align="alignleft" width="158"] Rep. Austin Badon[/caption] Rep. Badon’s proposal has been weakened somewhat since the last vote,…