MS HB997

Reduces maximum imprisonment for marijuana possession with intent to distribute from 3 years to 18 months for 30 grams or less.

Lowers maximum fines for marijuana distribution: from $3,000 to $1,500 for 30 grams or less; from $5,000 to $2,500 for 30-250 grams; from $15,000 to $7,500 for 250-500 grams; from $20,000 to $10,000 for 500 grams to 1 kilogram.

Reduces simple possession penalties for marijuana: first offense fines lowered from $100-$250 to $50-$125; second offense within 2 years reduced to 30 days jail and $125 fine; third offense reduced to 3 months jail and $125-$500 fine.

Lowers fines for simple possession of larger quantities: 30-250 grams from $1,000-$3,000 to $500-$1,500; 250-500 grams from up to $50,000 to up to $25,000; 500 grams to 1 kilogram from up to $250,000 to up to $125,000; 1-5 kilograms from up to $500,000 to up to $250,000; 5+ kilograms from up to $1,000,000 to up to $500,000.

Shortens record retention period for marijuana convictions from 2 years to 1 year before expungement.

Effective July 1, 2024.