The Boggs Act of 1951 amended the Narcotic Drugs Import and Export Act and set mandatory sentences for drug convictions. A first offense conviction for marijuana

possession Possession may refer to: Law * Dependent territory, an area of land over which another country exercises sovereignty, but which does not have the full right of participation in that country's governance * Drug possession, a crime * Ownership * ...

carried a minimum sentence of 2 to 10 years and a fine of up to $20,000.

History

The act was sponsored by Hale Boggs, a Louisiana Democrat. On November 2, 1951,

Harry S. Truman Harry S. Truman (May 8, 1884December 26, 1972) was the 33rd president of the United States, serving from 1945 to 1953. A leader of the Democratic Party, he previously served as the 34th vice president from January to April 1945 under Franklin ...

signed the act into law. On January 4, 1952, under the provisions of the act, over 500 were arrested.

References

{{reflist 1952 in law 1952 in the United States 82nd United States Congress Cannabis law in the United States Drug policy of the United States History of drug control United States federal controlled substances legislation 1952 in cannabis