Signed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that reduces the punishment for the possession of 28.5 grams or less of marijuana.

Highlights:

• Requires every person who possesses any concentrated cannabis except as by authorized by law to be subject to imprisonment in the county jail for a maximum of 1 year, to a fine not exceeding $500, to both imprisonment and fine, or to imprisonment in the state prison (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that every person who, except as authorized by law, possesses not more than 28.5 grams of marijuana, other than concentrated cannabis, is guilty of an infraction punishable by a fine not exceeding $100 (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that any person who, except as authorized by law, possesses more than 28.5 grams of marijuana, other than concentrated cannabis, will be subject to imprisonment in the county jail for a maximum of 6 months or to a fine not exceeding $500, or to both imprisonment and a fine (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that except as authorized by law, every person 18 years of age or over who possesses more than 28.5 grams of marijuana, other than concentrated cannabis, and who is in the vicinity of a designated school zone will be guilty of a misdemeanor and subject to a fine not to exceed $500 or to imprisonment in the county jail for a maximum of 10 days, of to both a fine and imprisonment (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that except as authorized by law, every person under the age of 18 who possesses no more than 28.5 grams of marijuana, other than concentrated cannabis, and who is in the vicinity of a designated school zone will be guilty of a misdemeanor and subject to the following (Sec. 1):
• A fine not exceeding $250 upon finding that a first offense has been committed; or
• A fine not exceeding $500, or commitment to a juvenile hall, ranch, camp, forestry camp, or secure juvenile home for a maximum of 10 days, or both, upon finding that a second or subsequent offense has been committed.

• Classifies the possession of not more than 1 ounce of marijuana, other than concentrated cannabis, while driving a motor vehicle on a highway or on lands, as an infraction punishable by a fine not exceeding $100 (Sec. 2).

Full Bill Text