Bill would decriminalize possession of less than 1 oz. of marijuana in Arkansas

A bill filed in the Arkansas State House Monday would decriminalize the possession small amounts of marijuana.Tap or click here to read HB1972 and see its current status in the state legislaturePossession of less than one ounce of marijuana would become a "violation," subject to a sentence of a fine of not more than $200.Right now, possession of that amount is a Class A misdemeanor in Arkansas.The bill's primary sponsors are Rep. Charles Blake (D - Little Rock) and Sen. Joyce Elliott (D - Little Rock). Rep. Vivian Flowers (D - Pine Bluff) is a co-sponsor.The bill would leave the rest of the existing marijuana possession law in place:Under 4 oz. is a Class A misdemeanorUnder 4 oz. is a Class D felony if the person has 4 or more previous conviction of under 4 oz. possession4 oz. to 10 lbs. is a Class D felony10 lbs. to 25 lbs. is a Class C felony25 lbs. to 100 lbs. is a Class B felony100 lbs. to 500 lbs. is a Class A felonyIn November 2016, Arkansas voters approved making marijuana legal for medicinal purposes, with restrictions. As of April 2, 2019, medical marijuana is not legally available in the state. Marijuana is being legally grown at cultivation centers and dispensaries are preparing to open.

A bill filed in the Arkansas State House Monday would decriminalize the possession small amounts of marijuana.

Tap or click here to read HB1972 and see its current status in the state legislature


Possession of less than one ounce of marijuana would become a "violation," subject to a sentence of a fine of not more than $200.

Right now, possession of that amount is a Class A misdemeanor in Arkansas.

The bill's primary sponsors are Rep. Charles Blake (D - Little Rock) and Sen. Joyce Elliott (D - Little Rock). Rep. Vivian Flowers (D - Pine Bluff) is a co-sponsor.

The bill would leave the rest of the existing marijuana possession law in place:

Under 4 oz. is a Class A misdemeanor

Under 4 oz. is a Class D felony if the person has 4 or more previous conviction of under 4 oz. possession

4 oz. to 10 lbs. is a Class D felony

10 lbs. to 25 lbs. is a Class C felony

25 lbs. to 100 lbs. is a Class B felony

100 lbs. to 500 lbs. is a Class A felony

In November 2016, Arkansas voters approved making marijuana legal for medicinal purposes, with restrictions. As of April 2, 2019, medical marijuana is not legally available in the state. Marijuana is being legally grown at cultivation centers and dispensaries are preparing to open.