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Friday, April 01, 2016

House Passes Bill Recriminalizing Marijuana

ANNAPOLIS — In this week’s legislative digest, a bill that would require employers to give employees paid sick leave is on the move as is an effort to recriminalize marijuana. In addition, Governor Larry Hogan finally makes his feelings known about Donald Trump.

Legislation to recriminalize using marijuana in public won approval in the House of Delegates this week by a 102-36 vote, but the bill is expected to have a much more uphill battle in the Senate.

The House bill, which was introduced by Delegate Brett R. Wilson (R-Washington County), is a response to a bill that decriminalized the possession of marijuana paraphernalia last year. Two years ago, possession of small amounts of marijuana was decriminalized.

Wilson’s bill would make using marijuana in public a misdemeanor with a fine of up to $500. Currently, using pot in public is illegal, but it is punished by a civil citation rather than a criminal one.

“It’s an issue that’s good for our children, for families and for outdoor spaces,” said Wilson. “The civil citation regime will not work. It’s very difficult for police to do anything to enforce laws when it comes to civil citations.”

Yet, if a version of the bill passes in the Senate, the language might be slightly different than the House bill, focusing on criminal sanctions for using pot in public and while driving, and could raise the decriminalization limit for possession above 10 grams.

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10 comments:

Anonymous said...

"...The University of Maryland, Eastern Shore will be allocated $3.5 million to begin design of a new building to house its School of Pharmacy and Health Professions.."

Wasn't that program just de-certified? And they're going to throw more money at it??

Anonymous said...

That is how the govt waste money to keep saying there is no money so they can tax you more... Yet you keep on paying and you mclove it!!!!

Anonymous said...

Stupid move. Let's criminalize alcohol again too.

Anonymous said...

“It’s an issue that’s good for our children, for families and for outdoor spaces..."

THATS BS....the issue is our state needs to generate revenue, no ifs/ands/butts, $$$$$ talks more than proper business management.

Anonymous said...

If they want real revenue they would legalize it and tax it. They would have more money than they know what to do with it. See Colorado

Anonymous said...

Anonymous Anonymous said...
"...The University of Maryland, Eastern Shore will be allocated $3.5 million to begin design of a new building to house its School of Pharmacy and Health Professions.."

Wasn't that program just de-certified? And they're going to throw more money at it??

April 1, 2016 at 10:53 AM

That was the Physician Assistant Program. Pay attention!

Anonymous said...

Anonymous Anonymous said...
Stupid move. Let's criminalize alcohol again too.

April 1, 2016 at 11:45 AM

Said the Crackhead criminal...

Anonymous said...

Anonymous Anonymous said...
“It’s an issue that’s good for our children, for families and for outdoor spaces..."

THATS BS....the issue is our state needs to generate revenue, no ifs/ands/butts, $$$$$ talks more than proper business management.

April 1, 2016 at 12:20 PM

The same Crackhead above. Guess what Moron the Civil Offense was nothing but a fine you dumb idiot.

Anonymous said...

People get serious about telling other people what they can and cannot consume.

We do not own our bodies. We are slaves.

Anonymous said...

It's all about $$$money. Just another tax in sheep's clothing, like the Obama Health Care.