Bill eases penalties for paraphernalia

Rep. Delisha Boyd proposed reducing the penalties for using marijuana paraphernalia. Photo courtesy of the Louisiana House
Rep. Delisha Boyd proposed reducing the penalties for using marijuana paraphernalia. Photo courtesy of the Louisiana House

he Louisiana Senate on Tuesday approved an amended version of a House bill that would decriminalize the possession and use of drug paraphernalia, such as pipes and bongs, by making it a civil offense punishable by a fine but no jail time. The Senate voted 24-14 to approve House Bill 165 after raising the proposed fines for repeat offenses. It sent the bill back to the House for concurrence with th…