Tell your state legislators it’s time to decriminalize cannabis.

Today, the Utah Legislature came back to work for its 2022 legislative session. And so far, there’s no sign that major cannabis policy reform is on the agenda.

We are encouraged lawmakers are proposing clearer employment protections for medical cannabis patients who are state employees. But so far no lawmaker has indicated they plan to stop the draconian practice of arresting and jailing Utahans for possessing a modest amount of cannabis.

Ask your state legislators to champion decriminalization. Let them know limited law enforcement resources shouldn’t be wasted on cannabis, and that the state shouldn’t be locking its residents in a jail cell for using a plant that is safer than alcohol.

Utah is one of only 19 states that still imposes possible jail time for simple possession of cannabis. The maximum penalty for possessing less than an ounce is up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. Even for those who don’t end up in jail, the scarlet letter of a criminal conviction slams closed the door to opportunity — making it far more difficult to get a good job, housing, and an education, and resulting in hundreds of collateral consequences. Meanwhile, polling shows Utah voters want far more substantial reform: 64% of Utah voters support full adult-use legalization.

Ask your state legislators to support decriminalization, and then spread the word so that others can raise their voices for sensible and humane cannabis policies.

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HB 290 would reclassify cannabis possession from a misdemeanor to an infraction — write your elected officials today and urge them to support this reform!

In December, the North Carolina Task Force for Racial Equity in Criminal Justice recommended that cannabis possession should be a civil — not a criminal — offense. Last week, legislators put forward a bill that would do just that.

HB 290, which has 28 legislative sponsors, would reclassify the penalty for possessing up to 1.5 ounces of cannabis from a misdemeanor to an infraction. Under North Carolina law, infractions are punishable by a fine of up to $100.

Please contact your state legislators right now and urge them to support this sensible reform.

Under current law, possessing up to a half ounce of cannabis is a misdemeanor that carries a fine of up to $200, along with the collateral consequences of a criminal conviction. Possession of greater amounts up to 1.5 ounces can result in up to 45 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.

Most North Carolina residents — 54% according to a recent Elon College poll — are in favor of legalizing cannabis. HB 290 would not legalize possession, but it would significantly reduce harm to individuals who are charged with possessing small amounts. It would also allow police and courts to waste less time dealing with cannabis possession cases, leaving them with more time to deal with serious crimes.

After you write your legislators, please share this message with your family and friends.

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Ask your lawmakers to support HB 550.

Although Maryland decriminalized simple possession of marijuana back in 2014, thousands of Marylanders continue to have their lives derailed by possession arrests. With your help, that could change this year: Delegate Nick Mosby (D) has proposed a bill to stop many of these arrests by increasing the decriminalized amount from 10 grams to one ounce.

Email your lawmakers today and ask them to support HB 550!

The bill — HB 550 — is scheduled for a House Judiciary Committee hearing next Tuesday. You can voice your support for this important reform by testifying in person or submitting written testimony.

What: Hearing on the decrim fix bill, HB 550

When: Tuesday, February 11, 1:00 p.m. (Note that other bills are also scheduled during this committee meeting, so there could be a significant wait before the bill is called.)

Where: House Office Building, Room 101, 6 Bladen Street, Annapolis, MD

You can find guidelines on providing testimony here. If you provide oral testimony, you will be limited to three minutes. Please be polite and respectful and dress in business or business-casual attire.

Under HB 550, possession of up to an ounce would be punishable by a civil fine of $100 rather than a criminal penalty that carries possible jail time. Also, a person could no longer be charged with possession with intent to distribute based solely on possession of an ounce or less.

HB 550 would reduce the number of arrests and criminal charges for marijuana possession. Arrests for simple possession can be traumatic, and a criminal conviction can hinder one’s ability to obtain a job, housing, or a college education.

Please take a minute to email your lawmakers and ask them to support HB 550, and consider showing your support at next week’s hearing. Then, forward this message to your friends and family in Maryland and encourage them to do the same.

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