Pubdate: Wed, 20 Mar 2013
Source: Washington Examiner (DC)
Copyright: 2013 Washington Examiner
Contact:  http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3788
Author: Andy Brownfield
Page: 4

MD. SENATE VOTES TO DECRIMINALIZE POSSESSION OF SMALL AMOUNTS OF POT

Possession of small amounts of marijuana would incur 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 an 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.

"It is a tremendous waste of resources," Zirkin said.

Opponents questioned whether the bill, if signed into law, would make 
the job of law enforcement officers more difficult.

Anne Arundel County Republican Sen. Bryan Simonaire questioned 
whether police officers would have to carry around scales to be able 
to judge whether someone caught with pot was carrying more or less 
than 10 grams.

"It's all dependent on weight now. Weight is the key," he said.

Other opponents worried whether the bill sent the wrong message about 
marijuana possession and questioned why the penalty for holding small 
amounts of pot would be smaller than that for underage drinking, 
which is a $500 fine.

The bill passed primarily with Democratic support but was able to 
draw the votes of some Republicans.

Among them was Sen. Nancy Jacobs, R-Harford and Cecil counties. She 
said her husband has cancer and under the measure she would be able 
to purchase small amounts of marijuana to help with his treatment.

Under current law, the possession of up to 10 grams of marijuana is a 
criminal charge punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a fine of up to $500.

The measure now goes to the House, where it is expected to face more 
opposition.

The bill falls short of full legalization of pot and does not make 
the distinction between possession for medical or recreational use.

Bills currently before the House would create systems to administer 
medical marijuana in Maryland. Gov. Martin O'Malley's administration 
recently withdrew its opposition to medical marijuana. In March 8 
testimony before a joint meeting of the House Health and Government 
Operations and Judiciary committees, Department of Health and Mental 
Hygiene Secretary Joshua Sharfstein said his department did not 
oppose a medical marijuana system so long as the governor could halt 
it if the federal government threatened legal action.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom