HOUSTON, TX — Mayor Sylvester Turner is reviewing a proposal from Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg that, once implemented, will decriminalize some marijuana possession offenses.

The policy, which goes into effect on March 1, is known as the Misdemeanor Marijuana Diversion Program, a pre-charge diversion program for individuals who meet certain criteria, and are in possession of four ounces or less of marijuana.

Those who qualify will not be arrested, ticketed, or required to go to court if they agree to take a four-hour drug education course.

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However, if the person caught refuses to attend the class, they could be prosecuted and face a year in jail.

The plan is designed to reduce jail overcrowding and would save Harris County more than $10 million per year, as well as reduce the man hours for processing individuals for minor offenses.

Leaders in the Harris County law enforcement community viewed the proposal favorably.

Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo said focusing law enforcement energies on low level offenders is a waste of city resources, and that police officers would concentrate on major criminal activities like home invasions and robberies, or crimes aimed at individuals.

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