Attention

The opinions expressed by columnists are their own and do not represent our advertisers

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Maryland Senate Votes To Decriminalize Possession Of Small Amounts Of Pot

Possession of small amounts of marijuana would be a civil fine instead of a criminal penalty under a bill approved by the Maryland Senate on Tuesday.

The Senate voted 30-16 to replace the criminal charge of possession of up to 10 grams of marijuana with a civil fine of up to $100. Ten grams, about a third of one ounce, is equivalent to the weight of about two nickels.

The bill's sponsor, Sen. Bobby Zirkin, D-Baltimore County, characterized people with 10 grams or less of marijuana as "small time" possessors and said it was a waste of taxpayer money to prosecute them and put them through the criminal justice system.

More 

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

This will save Maryland a ton of money. Smart move.

Anonymous said...

It will still be a criminal offense under Federal laws. Don't get caught with under 10 grams by a federal law officer.

Anonymous said...

What a bunch of fools.

lmclain said...

A lot of those "fools" are smoking pot at their house every night. THEY know the hysteria is baseless. Bush used COCAINE and pot. He became President. So did obama. So did Kennedy. Start thinking for yourself instead of believing everything you're told. If you can bring yourself to do something thats anathemic to your entire existence.

Anonymous said...

I guarantee there is some of the very best medicinal ghanja in the World sitting in a desk in the oval office of the White House.

Anonymous said...

What a bunch of fools.

March 20, 2013 at 5:48 PM

Welcome to the party. We saved you a seat.

ginn said...

I wonder how this is going to affect MD's requirements for concealed carry permits.., atm a conviction for cds is enough to be denied?

Anonymous said...

7:39 you've basically just connected drug use and it's adverse effects. Thank you.

lmclain said...

1:24 AM (!?) Cocaine hasn't worn off yet? Nice comment....quite witty. Just kidding about the cocaine, so don't get angry...

Anonymous said...

Maybe this will take some of the pressure off of law enforcement and allow them to focus on the REAL criminals amongst us.

Anonymous said...

3:00 PM

What pressure? If you took away their radar gun and ticket book they would have nothing to do.