Boggs Act of 1951
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| Long title | An Act to amend the penalty provisions applicable to persons convicted of violating certain narcotic laws, and for other purposes. |
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| Nicknames | Marihuana and Narcotic Law Violators Act of 1951 |
| Enacted by | the 82nd United States Congress |
| Effective | November 2, 1951 |
| Citations | |
| Public law | Pub. L. 82–255 |
| Statutes at Large | 65 Stat. 767 |
| Legislative history | |
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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 cannabis possession carried a minimum sentence of 2 to 10 years and a fine of up to $20,000.[1][2]
History
[edit]The act was sponsored by Hale Boggs, a Louisiana Democrat.[3] On November 2, 1951, Harry S. Truman signed the act into law.[4]
On January 4, 1952, under the provisions of the act, over 500 people were arrested.[2][4]
References
[edit]- ^ "Marijuana timeline". PBS. Retrieved 2014-07-31.
- ^ a b "Nearly 500 Seized In Narcotics Raids Across The Nation. Arrests Here Pass 50 as U. S. Cracks Down on Peddlers Under Toughened Law. Teen-Age Trade Is Target. Officials Hope to Cut Juvenile Addiction. Big Racketeers to Face Indictment". The New York Times. January 5, 1952. Retrieved 2014-07-31.
- ^ "Backer of Boggs Act Dies at 76". The New York Times. February 14, 1952. Retrieved 2014-07-31.
- ^ a b Health Instruction Yearbook. 1952. ISBN 9780804704564.