Legislation to decriminalize marijuana was filed today in the South Caroline House of Representatives.
South Carolina State Representatives Chris Hart (D-Richland), John King (D-York), and Rosalyn Henderson-Myers (D-Spartanburg) introduced House Bill 3804, a measure to decriminalize the possession of small amounts of marijuana and hashish. The bill has been referred to the Judiciary Committee for further consideration.
The bill would make possession of up to one ounce of marijuana and up to 10 grams of hash no longer a criminal offense. Instead of criminal charges, individuals found possessing these amounts would receive a civil citation, defined as a fine ranging between $100 to $200 for a first offense, and $200 to $1,000 for any subsequent offens. Notably, the bill specifies that individuals issued such citations would not be arrested or taken into custody for these violations.
Under current South Carolina law, possessing up to an ounce of marijuana is a misdemeanor charge with up to 30 days in jail and a $200 fine. Penalties increase drastically for subsequent offenses: up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $2,000.
