Harris County Has Decriminalized Simple Marijuana Possession

It’s been buzzing around the news for several weeks, but this week the announcement is finally coming down. Possession of 4-ounces or less of marijuana in Harris County, Texas won’t send you to jail starting on March 1. The District Attorney’s office is expected to announce the new policy today, Feb. 16.

District Attorney Kim Ogg, along with Sheriff Ed Gonzalez, Mayor Sylvester Turner and Police Chief Art Acevedo are all expected to announce the new policy, according to Breibart. Rather than arresting you for simple possession (4-ounces or less), you’ll be required to take a drug education class. The class is 4 hours.

Assistant DA David Mitcham said, “You do not get charged with anything. You have a pathway where you can avoid going to court.”

Officials report that this new policy will save the county $10-million annually. There are roughly 12,000 people that won’t be affected by criminal justice system due to minor marijuana offenses. This new plan does require police officers take the marijuana and leave it at the station at shift’s end. The officer would also be responsible for following up with offenders to make sure they take the required class.

Penalties for not attending the required class were not mentioned. The DA’s office will still make the final determination regarding any arrests and/or prosecution for marijuana offenses – especially in cases where more than four ounces is found.

It may take a short time for agencies to get used to the new policy.

Constable Mark Herman said, “I have personally met with DA Ogg on her new program and we will work with her office on the policy she has set.”

Sheriff Hernandez’s office is happy about the new policy. Spokesperson Ryan Sullivan said, “We’re really encouraged by these swift actions by the district attorney. And we are looking forward to working with Harris County’s criminal justice leadership identifying common-sense solutions to our broken criminal justice system.”

Ryan Hunt, president of the Houston Police Officers’ Union, said, “I have a feeling there are going to be less arrests for marijuana, but I’m hoping this program does work. I’m hoping it does allow space in our jails to be held for the bad guys.”

Hunt is also pleased that more time can be focused on violent crimes rather than mounds of paperwork writing up marijuana cases.