The proposed bill makes it unlawful to knowingly possess a personal-use quantity of marijuana or marijuana paraphernalia, imposing specific penalties for violations. Adults aged 18 and older will face a $25 fine or up to three hours of community service, while minors will be required to complete up to five hours of community service or a drug awareness program. Notably, possession of cannabidiol treatment preparations is exempt from this law, and individuals cannot be arrested for a marijuana infraction. Municipalities are barred from enacting or enforcing regulations regarding personal-use marijuana possession, and any existing ordinances prior to July 1, 2025, will be nullified. The bill also ensures that marijuana infractions will not be classified as drug offenses, will not affect driving privileges, and cannot be used to deny public assistance or disqualify individuals from being adoptive parents.

Additionally, the bill amends existing laws related to probation, parole, and community corrections, specifically addressing marijuana-related infractions. It establishes that such infractions or positive drug tests for marijuana will not be considered violations of probation or community correction program assignments. The bill also creates a correctional supervision fund to support standardized risk assessment tools and evidence-based supervision programs. It outlines the criteria for parole hearings, including the inmate's program completion and conduct, while ensuring that conditions prohibiting marijuana use cannot be imposed unless necessary for safety. The bill repeals certain existing statutes and will take effect upon publication in the statute book.

Statutes affected:
As introduced: 21-5706, 21-5709, 21-6607, 22-3717