A Utah lawmaker has filed a bill for the 2026 session that would decriminalize marijuana and make it so that people caught possessing small amounts of cannabis would not face the threat of jail time for first-time offenses.
The legislation, sponsored by Rep. Grant Amjad Miller (D), would reduce the penalty for possession of up to 14 grams of marijuana to a civil infraction for a first offense, which is punishable by a fine of up to $750 with no jail time.
Under the proposal, subsequent cannabis possession offenses would be treated as misdemeanors.
“Currently, Utah is one of the 19 states where possession of a joint can still land you in jail,” the Marijuana Policy Project (MPP) said in an alert asking its supports in the state to contact their lawmakers about the bill. “Under current Utah law, possession of as little as an ounce of marijuana can result in a six-month jail sentence.
“There is no reason for a minor infraction like cannabis possession to land a person in jail or carry life-altering consequences,” MPP said.
If enacted into law, HB 253 would take effect on effect on May 6.
—
Marijuana Moment is tracking hundreds of cannabis, psychedelics
Read full article on Marijuana Moment
