SB 1602 - Cannabis Summary

• Creates a civil violation (not a criminal offense) for adults 18+ who possess 20 grams or less of cannabis or cannabis accessories, punishable by a civil penalty of up to $100 or up to 15 hours of community service.

• Minors under 18 caught with personal use quantities must complete up to 15 hours of community service or a drug awareness program costing up to $75, with fee waivers for financial hardship.

• Prohibits arrest for possession of personal use quantities unless there are grounds for a separate offense; establishes that such violations cannot be considered drug offenses, affect driving privileges, or constitute probation/parole violations.

• Prevents state and local penalties beyond those specified for personal use cannabis possession and prohibits penalties solely for having cannabinoids or metabolites in bodily tissue or fluids.

• Allows municipalities to regulate public cannabis consumption with penalties equal to those for public alcohol consumption; exempts cannabis accessories from drug paraphernalia laws.