Indopedia All Things Marijuana
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Possessing marijuana in small amounts will no longer be a crime in Albuquerque starting Friday, the same day as the unofficial 420 weed holiday.
A spokesman for Albuquerque City Councilman Pat Davis says the recently passed ordinance decriminalizing pot possession in small amounts takes effect Friday.
The ordinance was signed into law this month by Mayor Tim Keller. It amends the city’s criminal code to make possessing an ounce of pot or less a citable offense that can come with a $25 ticket but no jail time.
Previously, possession of one ounce or less of marijuana was a criminal offense punishable by up to a $50 fine or 15 days in jail for a first offense, although data shows such arrests were becoming increasingly rare.
Davis and fellow Councilman Isaac Benton were sponsors of the measure.
