In the interest of saving money and taking pressure off the courts, a group of high-powered Oregon prosecutors proposed significant changes this week. And while some legislators are opposed to many of the terms, there’s a good chance the proposal could have positive effects on marijuana law enforcement.

According to the Statesman Journal, the Oregon District Attorneys Association proposed their plan at a conference in Oregon City. There they revealed the outline would save an estimated $600 million over the next ten years, in part by capping the state’s prison population at 14,600.

The attorneys were cautious not to affect any violent crime penalties but say the “business” of justice requires they do something about the thousands funneled into the system each year.

“(Reducing drug sentences) isn’t something we would do in a perfect world,” said Clackamas County DA John Foote. “But we think these are the most responsible options available.” [Read more…]