New Harris County Policy Decriminalizes Marijuana

The push to keep marijuana users out of jail received a huge victory in Houston and Harris County this week.

According to a story from The Houston Chronicle, a new policy set to begin March 1 will stop arrests, tickets or court appearances for misdemeanor marijuana offenders with less than 4 ounces if they agree to take a 4-hour drug education class. The new policy was announced by Harris County D.A. Kim Ogg.

According to Ogg, the county has spent over $25 million dollars a year locking up misdemeanor marijuana offenders causing a log jam in courts and in jails. The new policy will allow law enforcement agencies to focus more money and energy on more violent and serious crimes.

Should Harris County's new marijuana policy be adopted statewide?