Pubdate: Thu, 22 Jan 2009
Source: Weston Town Crier (MA)
Copyright: 2009 GateHouse Media, Inc.
Contact:  http://www.wickedlocal.com/weston/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4776
Author: Susan L. Wagner
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis)

POLICE ADJUSTING TO NEW MARIJUANA LAWS

WESTON - Last fall, voters in the commonwealth, by a margin of 
approximately 2-1, voted in favor of Ballot Question 2, a state 
statute to decriminalize the possession of an ounce or less of 
marijuana. The new law went into effect on Jan. 2, 2009.

Almost immediately, the town of Weston issued two citations, both 
subsequent to stops for motor vehicle violations. One involved a 
21-year-old man from Newton, the other a 30-year-old man from Dover. 
As of press deadlines, Wayland had reported no incidents.

Police in both towns, however, are concerned the public understand 
that, under the provisions of the new law, possession of marijuana is 
still illegal, as is public use of the substance, and that they still 
have the right to search for probable cause.

At the same time, they are concerned about the message the new 
legislation sends, particularly to minors.

According to Lt. Danny Maguire of the Weston Police Department, "The 
biggest challenge we have is to convince people that, just because 
the law has changed, marijuana has not become 'legal,' and that the 
problem of drug addiction is still just as severe as always. There is 
also the danger that people will think it's actually OK, under the 
new law, to smoke a joint or two and get behind the wheel of a car."

In addition, there's anxiety over the public use of marijuana – on 
the street or in a bar or restaurant, for example.

"I don't believe that people would want to be around others smoking 
marijuana in public," Irving said. "Still there's the possibility 
that some individuals would think that lighting up a joint is a more 
acceptable risk than it was in the past. The law is going to have to 
be tweaked and clarified a bit in that regard."

Supporters of Question 2 argued it would save the commonwealth money 
and that instances of minor marijuana possession would no longer 
affect a person's ability to obtain a job, housing and school loans. 
Those who opposed it believed the law would give the wrong message to 
young people, resulting in more use of drugs, and that it would make 
it easier for drug dealers to sell marijuana without being arrested.

One ounce of marijuana is the equivalent of 200 to 300 joints, 
according to Maguire.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom