Houston Decriminalizes Possession of Cannabis
Beginning March 1, 2017, those who are charged with possession of less than four ounces (113 grams) of cannabis in Houston and Harris County will not be arrested, ticketed or sent to court. The only requirement of the person in possession of the cannabis would have to do to erase their record is attend a four-hour long drug education class. The new policy affects over 4.5 million Texans living in Harris County.
District Attorney Kim Ogg (D-Harris County) announced the new policy Thursday with support from Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo and Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez. According to Ogg, the county has spent an average of $25 million per year for the last decade locking people up for small amounts of cannabis. “We have spent in excess of $250 million, over a quarter-billion dollars, prosecuting a crime that has produced no tangible evidence of improved public safety,” Ogg told the Houston Chronicle. “We have disqualified, unnecessarily, thousands of people from greater jobs, housing and educational opportunities by giving them a criminal record for what is, in effect, a minor law violation.” Ogg’s liberal approach to cannabis is unprecedented in Houston.
To serve as a visual aid, officials have said that the new policy would free up 12,000 men and women each year out of jail and the criminal justice system. The Houston police and Harris County Sheriffs can now focus on real crimes, such as violent crimes and hard drugs.
Those who are caught with low-level possession merely have to pay $150 for a four-hour course on drug “decision-making”. The “Misdemeanor Marijuana Diversion Program” applies to offenders 17 and older who are not facing additional charges. If the offenders are diligent and follow through, they can have the possibility of waiving the fee, and they will not have jail time or a criminal record. Individuals who are already under court supervision, such as those who are under bond, probation or deferred adjudication, are not eligible, because consuming cannabis would violate their pre-existing agreements. Suspects would also reportedly be able to take the class over and over again.
The Houston Police are happy about the new policy as well. According to the sheriff’s office, the policy will save the department 12 hours of time processing paperwork, per month.
