Whether your "for" or 'against" the use of marijuana in Iowa, it looks like the penalties for getting caught with a small amount may be getting smaller

The Iowa Senate on Tuesday passed a bill that would lower the punishment for the possession of small amounts of marijuana, and save the state if Iowa nearly a half million dollars.

First-time offenders guilty of possessing 5 grams or less of marijuana would be subject to the penalties of a simple misdemeanor. The measure would reduce the maximum punishment from six months imprisonment or a fine of $1,000 to confinement of no more than 30 days or no more than a $625 fine.

More than 1,000 people were convicted for possession of the small amount in fiscal year 2014, according to the Legislative Services Agency. The agency says the move would save the state an estimated $487,600 in fiscal year 2017.

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