Crime Lab Backlog Drastically Reduced After Decriminalization

doitvoluntarily (77) in cannabis • 7 years ago

New Hampshire became the 22nd state that has moved to decriminalize cannabis. Last year, the governor had signed a law that eliminated jail time for anyone convicted of possessing small quantities of cannabis. Those found with three-quarters of an ounce or less won't have to see any threat of being jailed over it.

However, they'd still be guilty of a violation and that could come with a fine.

The more that they're caught with cannabis, (anyone 18+ and older) the more the penalty increases. The first time it could be a $100 fine, with multiple occurrences eventually resulting in more fines and a potential Class B misdemeanor charge; if they are caught with it within a certain time frame.

For example, if you are caught 3x within 3years then the fine could go from $100 to $300.

Before the passage of the new bill, those who were found guilty of possession might have faced up to a year behind bars, along with thousands of dollars in fines.

And prior to the changes being made, it's reported that the State Police Forensic Laboratory had a severe backlog of cases, roughly 3,600+ of them. But now? it's alleged that thanks to the change in decriminalization over cannabis, it's said that the case load for that crime lab has dropped significantly.

Reduced by more than 40 percent

Now, their crime lab is only looking at a backlog of roughly 1,600+ cases. With the change in circumstances, now their agents are able to focus on more concerning matters.

Fewer cases are now being sent to the lab because of the new decriminalization changes and that's saving those crime lab analysts from having to spend time and resources on traveling to court to testify for various cannabis cases etc.

There is a commission currently investigating the potential for cannabis legalization in NH and lawmakers have been busy in recent months giving testimony in favor of, or against that cause. A cannabis legalization bill has passed the House but it's still being reviewed.

One report from a separate commission study on the issue is expected to come out by November of this year. It is expected to cover details on the potential for regulation, taxation, and legalization of the plant.

Pics:
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Giphy

Sources:
https://www.aol.com/article/news/2017/07/19/new-hampshire-becomes-22nd-state-decriminalize-marijuana/23038224/
http://www.wmur.com/article/nh-senate-to-vote-on-marijuana-decriminalization-bill/9636414
https://www.forbes.com/sites/tomangell/2017/09/16/new-hampshire-marijuana-decriminalization-takes-effect/#13e4e8346250
http://nhpr.org/post/nh-crime-lab-reduces-backlog-after-marijuana-decriminalization-put-effect#stream/0
http://nhpr.org/post/whats-next-nh-bill-legalize-marijuana#stream/0
https://www.forbes.com/sites/tomangell/2018/01/09/new-hampshire-lawmakers-approve-marijuana-legalization/2/#7c34a2c7799a

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7 years ago by doitvoluntarily (77)

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biffybirdcam (65) · 7 years ago (edited)

The fact they can harass and extort all that money from people who possess a f^cking plant is absurd. Who were they harming? And then how our "politicians" say they discuss the matter and what not.. like c'mon Sir Representative.. do your f^cking job and listen to the clear majority of your constituents. Stop accepting bribes from big pharma and cut the f^ckin ban on this plant. Why are we not up in arms over this and taxation! ARGHHH

Insanity!

Keep up the good work. Cannabis is good. So good they want it hidden away. But people are waking up!

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2 votes

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jaybird (72) · 7 years ago

Lol, ur title is misleading!

Still, it made me read hahaz u sneaky ....

This is pretty much a commentary on the entire war on drugs. Imagine if most, or all were legal...

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1 vote

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doitvoluntarily (77) · 7 years ago

haha! it's their promises that are misleading 😂

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1 vote

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hanamana (60) · 7 years ago (edited)

Hi doitvoluntarily,

Why these crazy politicians dont go after pharmaceutical giant who are keeping some pill addict harming themselves and some even killed?

Why not let people decide on their own if they want to smoke, eat or grow the cannabis if they fit their belief and life style?

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1 vote

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moonunit (53) · 7 years ago

You know the fact that canibis isn't a dangerous substance really means that it should be legal completely. The local government could then regulate, assign a strength rating, tax etc. This would then assist with other social programs like I don't know maybe alcohol rehab programs. Actually helping people to get away from a dangerous drug.

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doitvoluntarily (77) · 7 years ago (edited)

I'd rather social programs not be funded by extortion/theft

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toddfoster (60) · 7 years ago

A great example of if you have less needless regulations government can function smoother. When you cut out socioeconomic traps you can have a smaller, more effectice gov.

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doitvoluntarily (77) · 7 years ago

if you count an illegitimate organization violating natural rights on a daily basis as "functioning smoother" ✌😄

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jlufer (75) · 7 years ago

As time passes and more are the states in decriminalizing cannabis, it is proven that the probition is not the solution, so you show the 40% reduction.
thank you very much dear friend @doitvoluntarily for keeping us informed
I wish you a beautiful night

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udinleo (43) · 7 years ago

Interesting information, always successful

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zekepickleman (68) · 7 years ago

I would gladly trade a little money for not having to have a criminal charge. The justice system should also want this to have some cash in hand (rather than a long stupid process) and fight more serious crimes starting with trafficking I suppose.

I would probably do a search on it but do you know what they are going to do with all those saddled with a criminal charge (for a very small amount of recreational personal use) now that it is not.....or less.....illegal? They still permanently labelled as a criminal?

Thanks again for the info!

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betaniaj (53) · 7 years ago

Interesting publication I like to see your publications your work is good, thanks for the information happy afternoons @doitvoluntarily

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cassandraf (51) · 7 years ago

Good, it should be decriminalized federally. There are far more pressing issues that need to be given priority over weed prosecution. Tax it, have a steady stream of revenue to the states, and move on to something else.

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ivantorres (51) · 7 years ago

It shows what they were focusing on.

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nicholas83 (56) · 7 years ago

For a damn plant. At least they are making progress. Sort of anyway, just a bit of good news is always welcome. The struggle continues.

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Crime Lab Backlog Drastically Reduced After Decriminalization

However, they'd still be guilty of a violation and that could come with a fine.

For example, if you are caught 3x within 3years then the fine could go from $100 to $300.

Before the passage of the new bill, those who were found guilty of possession might have faced up to a year behind bars, along with thousands of dollars in fines.

Reduced by more than 40 percent

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