New Louisiana law increases penalties for marijuana use near schools, college campuses
By Shannon Brinias
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SHREVEPORT, Louisiana (KTBS) — Starting Aug. 1, people caught using marijuana on or near school and college campuses in Louisiana could face significantly tougher penalties under a new state law.
The measure, passed by the Louisiana Legislature and signed by Gov. Jeff Landry, increases the maximum penalty for marijuana use within designated drug-free zones to up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.
The law also delineates drug-free zones around schools and campuses to a 2,000-foot radius, giving law enforcement broader authority to make arrests for violations in those areas.
Shreveport Police Department PIO Cpl. Chris Bordelon said the law changes how officers can respond to marijuana use near campuses.
“Previously, in many cases, marijuana possession or use resulted only in a summons, meaning officers often did not have the authority to arrest someone and take them to jail,” Bordelon said. “Under the new law, officers can arrest an individual and book them into jail. That becomes especially important during sporting events and other situations on college campuses where local police are called to assist campus officers.”
The bill’s House sponsor said the legislation is intended to give law enforcement and prosecutors stronger tools when someone is openly smoking or vaping marijuana or other illegal drugs within a school zone.
The change could have a noticeable impact in northwest Louisiana, where Shreveport and Bossier City are home to numerous colleges, universities and satellite campuses. Observers will be watching to see how aggressively the new law is enforced.
Marijuana advocates have criticized the legislation, arguing it unfairly targets marijuana users.
Dr. Jaya Mcsharma, known locally as “The OUI Doctor,” questioned why marijuana is being singled out while other legal but impairing substances are not.
“Are we going to test everyone within a 2,000-foot radius if they’ve taken Klonopin, Xanax or oxycodone?” Mcsharma said. “Are we going to penalize someone for smoking nicotine within that same radius? I think this unfairly targets the marijuana population because many people don’t understand the drug.”
The legislation passed despite opposition from roughly one-third of Louisiana lawmakers, with about one-third of state senators and representatives voting against the measure.
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