Penalty Reduction

On May 16, 1975, the Alaska Legislature passed a law that reduced the penalty for possessing any amount of marijuana in private -- or up to one ounce in any public place in the state -- to a civil offense with a maximum $100 fine. Public use of marijuana, possession of more than an ounce in public, possession by a person under the age of 18, and possession while operating a vehicle were made criminal misdemeanors, punishable by fines of up to $1,000. Sale remained a felony. Governor Jay S. Hammond allowed the bill to become law, explaining, "It is hypocritical to criminally punish users of marijuana while legally sanctioning the use of alcohol. ..."

Related Documents
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1975: S.B. 350, an act relating to penalties for unauthorized possession and control of certain drugs
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