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
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 were arrested.[2][4]
References
- ^ "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.