The Cannabis Penalties Bill, HB 218, would replace criminal penalties with a $100 fine.
Opening hearings on HB 218 in the House Restorative Justice Committee began on February 20 and will reconvene on February 26, 2015, at 12:00 p.m. in the Capitol Building Room 122B.
If passed the bill would eliminate the possibility of arrest and jail time, with offenders caught possessing up to 30 grams of marijuana issued a $100 “Uniform Cannabis Ticket” and charged with a petty offense. Mandatory drug rehabilitation classes are not included with the reduced sentences. Click here to read the bill.
HB 218 was introduced by Rep. Kelly Cassidy (D-Chicago) and is co-sponsored by Rep. Carol Ammons (D-Urbana/Champaign) and Rep. Will Guzzardi (D-Chicago).
As the most widely used illicit drug, chronic marijuana usage has been associated with mental illness and can affect brain development in young adults; one of six children who use marijuana will become addicted; marijuana contains 50-70 percent more cancer-causing substances than tobacco smoke; marijuana users are likely to use heroin or other more potent substances.
Note: In an exclusive interview, Penny Nance, Concerned Women for America’s CEO and President, talks with Bill Bennett, former drug czar, and co-author Robert A. White, Esq. They discuss Bennett and White’s latest book, Going to Pot: Why the Rush to Legalize Marijuana is Harming America. The three leaders consider the consequences of the legalization of marijuana and why parents need to urge legislators to stop the legalization process. Click here to listen.
Prayer Requests:
- Pray that there will be a public outcry against HB 218.
- Pray that penalties would also include mandatory drug counseling.
- Pray for churches to provide mentoring programs that provide Christ-centered fellowship to those in rehabilitation.
Take Action:
- Contact your State Representatives. Urge them to oppose HB 218. Don’t know who your representatives are? No problem, click hereand put in your address.
- Forward this e-mail on to your friends, family, neighbors, and associates and urge them to contact their State Representative to vote NO on HB 218.
“All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.” Edmund Burke