Santa Fe, NM - Representative Emily Kane’s (D- Bernalillo-15) House Bill 465 was heard today in the House Consumer and Public Affairs Committee and received a “ Do Pass” with a 3-2 vote. HB 465 will reduce penalties for adults who possess 4 ounces of marijuana or less. Recent polling suggests that 57% of New Mexicans support decreasing the penalties for possession of marijuana.

Rep. Kane believes that through good public policy, it is possible to more appropriately use resources and help law enforcement focus on more serious crimes. This change in penalties will also help with the serious issue of overcrowding in New Mexico correctional facilities. Rep. Kane has made it clear: this bill does not decriminalize marijuana.

“It is time to stop treating possessions of small amounts of marijuana as a serious crime, and focus our limited public safety resources on more pressing issues,” said Rep. Kane. “We need to start treating marijuana like a public health issue, not a criminal issue. We are ruining people’s lives with punishments that do not fit the crime.”

House Bill 465 now goes to the House Judiciary Committee for further review.