NEW COMMISSIONER: Arkansas Speaker of the House Matthew Shepherd has appointed Amber Pool to the state Medical Marijuana Commission. (Graphic by Mandy Keener) Graphic by Mandy Keener

Arkansans would be allowed to possess up to two ounces of marijuana upon the legalization of recreational marijuana in the state under a bill filed today by Sen. Clarke Tucker (D-Little Rock). 

Senate Bill 580 would decriminalize marijuana “upon legalization of recreational marijuana in this state” and has the endorsement of the Arkansas Cannabis Industry Association. The state marijuana advocacy group pledged last year to push for marijuana social justice during this legislative session

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Bill Paschall, the group’s executive director, said Tucker’s bill has his organization’s support. 

SB580 would allow for possession of up to two ounces and revoke the sentence of anyone convicted for possession of less than two ounces of marijuana. 

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Possession of less than four ounces of marijuana is currently a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail. Possession of one to four ounces of marijuana with four previous convictions is a Class D felony punishable by up to six years in prison. 

The bill would also allow for the sealing of past felony convictions for less than two ounces of marijuana unless the individuals were convicted of multiple offenses. 

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The bill would also release anyone who is under parole or probation for possession of less than two ounces of marijuana. 

The act would become effective upon the Attorney General’s certification that the possession, use and consumption of cannabis by adults is legal in Arkansas. 

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