A BILL INTRODUCED AT THE LEGISLATURE THURSDAY WOULD DROP THE JAIL PENALTY FOR POSSESSION OF SMALL AMOUNTS OF POT. BUT GOVERNOR MARTINEZ WAS QUICK TO STATE HER OPPOSITION TO THE MEASURE FROM DEMOCRATIC STATE REP EMILY KANE OF ALBUQUERQUE.

THE GOVERNOR SAYS JAIL TIME FOR HAVING SMALL AMOUNTS OF POT ARE USUALLY ONLY ORDERED FOR THOSE WITH LONG CRIMINAL RECORDS. THE MEASURE IMPOSES CIVIL PENALTY FINES ON PEOPLE CAUGHT WITH UP TO 4 OUNCES OF MARIJUANA IN THEIR POSSESSION.