Pot effect? Nearly 200 people sign up for marijuana diversion program in Harris County

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Wednesday, March 22, 2017
Nearly 200 people sign up for marijuana diversion program
The new diversion program policy has been in effect for about three weeks in Harris County, and the numbers are in on who's taking advantage of it.

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- The new diversion program policy has been in effect for about three weeks in Harris County, and the numbers are in on who's taking advantage of it.

The new policy diverts all misdemeanor marijuana cases -- involving up to four ounces -- out of the criminal justice system, instead redirecting low-level drug offenders into a decision-making class.

RELATED: Everything you need to know about Harris Co.'s new pot policy

The District Attorney's office says between March 1 and March 17, 178 people across the county have agreed to take the class instead of going directly to jail.

The DA's office also says eleven people have scheduled classes, and four have completed the course.

The busiest day for people entering diversion was back on Friday, March 10, when 22 people entered the program.

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