Louisiana Senate Passes Bill to Reduce Marijuana Penalties; Expunge Some Convictions

BATON ROUGE, LA — The Louisiana Senate voted Monday to reduce some marijuana penalties, and to allow for some offenders to have first-time marijuana convictions expunged from their records.  The measure now moves to the House, where a similar proposal has already been approved this session.

The Senate voted 27-12 on Monday to pass Senate Bill 241, sponsored by Senator J.P. Morrell (D-New Orleans) who says the proposal will treat penalties for marijuana convictions “in a way that is more humane.”

Currently, Louisiana is home to some…