Pubdate: Thu, 20 Nov 2008
Source: Herald News, The (Fall River, MA)
Copyright: 2008 The Herald News
Contact:  http://www.heraldnews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3604
Author: Jenn Boulay
Note: Jenn Boulay is a parent and is actively involved in a number of 
civic groups in Fall River. She is pursuing a degree in philosophy 
and public policy at Brown University and holds a degree in liberal 
arts from Bristol Community College.
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?161 (Cannabis - Regulation)

MARIJUANA IN MASSACHUSETTS

What The Approval Of Question 2 Really Means

Fall River -- The approval of ballot question 2 in Massachusetts has 
sparked some confusion over what this actually means:

1. Marijuana is not legal. While decriminalizing possession of 
marijuana (up to one ounce) has removed criminal penalties, other 
state and local regulations continue to apply. Possession of more 
than one ounce results in criminal penalties.

2. Operating a motor vehicle under the influence of marijuana can 
result in imprisonment for up to two and a half years, a fine up to 
$5,000, or both.

3. If a youth under 18 is charged with possession of up to an ounce 
of marijuana, the offender gets a $100 fine, must participate in a 
drug awareness program including 10 hours of community service, and 
the law requires parental notification.

According to the National Institutes of Health and the National 
Institute on Drug Abuse, short-term dangers associated with marijuana 
usage include: impaired memory; difficulty thinking and problem 
solving; anxiety or paranoia; impaired judgment; impaired driving 
skills; cardiac problems Other potential health problems include 
increased risk of: respiratory ailments including chronic cough, 
bronchitis and emphysema; addiction; behavioral problems in a child 
when used by a mother during pregnancy; developing cancer; all the 
other health problems associated with smoking tobacco

Marijuana is not a harmless product. It is a brain-altering drug 
containing the chemical delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol.

If you or someone you know has a marijuana problem, please visit 
www.boldcoalition.org for a list of treatment options.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom