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04/01/2004: "Russia Decriminalizes Drug Possession, Western Australia Decriminalizes Marijuana Posession"

March 26th, 2004 - Western Australia Decriminalizes Marijuana

Simple possession of 30 grams or less of marijuana (about an ounce) will now be punishable by fines of up to $150 AUS, but offenders will not be arrested or get criminal records. Explaining the move, former State Health Minister Bob Kucera said "Research has shown that people with minor cannabis convictions can have problems with employment, difficulty in obtaining accommodation, travel problems and an increased risk of future contact with the criminal justice system. But research also shows that applying civil, instead of criminal, penalties for the personal use of cannabis does not lead to an increased proportion of the population using the drug."

The Story @ StopTheDrugWar.Org


March 13th, 2004 - Russia Decriminalizes Drug Possession

In a move coming only a few years after increasing penalties for drug possession in the name of a stepped up 'war on drugs', the Russian government has passed a law that will decriminalize the possession of small amounts of all illegal drugs. As a result, users will face modest fines for possession of '1 to 10 times a typical dose' of any drug, with higher fines and community service for '10 to 50 times a typical dose.' People caught selling drugs or trafficking in large amounts will still face potentially severe prison sentences.

The Story @ StopTheDrugWar.Org