A first-year lawmaker has introduced legislation to defelonize marijuana possession penalties in Arizona. House Bill 2228 amends state law so that the adult possession of up to two ounces of marijuana is reduced from a potential felony (punishable by 1.5 years in prison and a $150,000 fine) to a “petty offense” punishable by a $100 fine. Passage of this measure would amend Arizona law from one of the strictest in the nation to one of the most lenient.

The bill awaits action from the House Rules Committee.

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