Share:
House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2019 - 2020
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | January 30, 2019 02:05 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Ed Gainey |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | SAM (Small Amounts of Marijuana) |
| Considering the local and nationwide progress on the issue of cannabis prohibition, it is inappropriate, if not unconscionable, to continue to subject thousands of Pennsylvanians to criminal prosecution for minor cannabis possession. Additionally, minorities are disproportionately charged for possessing marijuana at a significantly higher rate despite similar usage rates as their white counterparts. Furthermore, a misdemeanor conviction can have lifelong implications including loss of employment, loss of public housing and loss of educational loan eligibility. Approximately 62% of Americans support the legalization of marijuana, while only approximately 34% are in opposition. I believe this is an issue in which the House of Representatives should follow the will of the people and downgrade the possession of a small amount of marijuana from a misdemeanor to a summary offense. We cannot afford either the short term or the long term effects of saddling Pennsylvanians with misdemeanor charges and convictions for minor cannabis possession. Please join me in putting Pennsylvania on the right side of criminal justice reform. |
Introduced as HB927