Attention

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

Sunday, April 06, 2014

Maryland House Passes Bill To Decriminalize Small Amounts Of Marijuana

The House of Delegates on Saturday evening voted to pass a measure that would decriminalize possession of small amounts of marijuana.

The House voted 78-55 to pass an amended version of Senate legislation that would decriminalize possession of less than 10 grams of pot by making it a civil offense, punishable by a fine.

The Senate is expected to agree with the House's measure and send it to Gov. Martin O'Malley. But the bill's chances could be hurt if it hits a snag in the Senate, as Monday is the final day of the General Assembly's 90-day session and lawmakers will not meet Sunday.

More

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

How will this decision impact major pot related issues (like the recent MSP Barracks elephant in the room)? I should ask how that incident will impact the decision,but both aspects apply,as court decisions and internal investigations statewide are hinged on the outcome.Anyone with common sense knows why the limited version is being considered.That's the non interfering version that does not interfere with a damn thing,AKA the easy way out.The path of least resistance is apparently the new political correctness.

Jack K Richards said...

About time

Anonymous said...

So what. In Maryland they will sell it and tax it but they won't let you smoke it here. You will have to go to Delaware or Virginia.

Anonymous said...

They watered down the law. Police officers still have to investigate and issue citations.

Anonymous said...

I guess Jack K. Richards is glad he doesn't have to take those urine tests anymore.

Anonymous said...

If the squirrels in my yard start smoking it, they will have more tendency to play with their nuts than to store them.

Anonymous said...

It is about time, however I think it should be legalized, regulated and taxed. The state won't be able to tax it if it is subject to medical classification because it will be deemed medicine. I'm not in favor of raising taxes, however in this case, legalizing it will lower prices and enable room to tax it, users would still be saving money compared to the black market. Users would be guaranteed that the product be pest free, pesticide free,
mold/mildew free. This is a new industry and can create tons of good paying jobs.

Anonymous said...

Oh lord leave Jack alone. At least he has the stones to put his name on his comments, it's also comforting knowing that not all LEO's or ex be against decriminalizing or legalizing. Bill Clinton just another lie to add when he said, "I didn't inhale," Every president since 1990 has puffed and admitted the use. It may be something we wouldn't want our kids to do, I don't think we want them to be drunks either, should they go to jail for using? That would make our last, at least two presidents confessed felons!

Anonymous said...

This will only cut down on actual court time, saving the state $$ in cases of 10 grams (1/3 ounce) or less. Police will still be sniffing away at traffic stops, looking for a bigger bust.
The Eastern Shore needs jobs and tax revenue. Its largest source now is agriculture. Get those approved growing facilities to be on the Shore instead of in the rich counties across the Bay.

OMG...did you really say that said...

Should have been a long time ago....Take the profit away from the Congressman, Senators and Bill Clinton who are involved in the drug trade....

Anonymous said...

Part of the reason to keep it criminalized is to ensure that hemp based products don't destroy Big Cotton. It's a no brainer that this always has been/will be about YOUR money and where it's spending is directed.