Voters in Massachusetts to Decide on Marijuana Law
By admin at 13 October, 2008, 4:16 pm
A vote is to take place in Massachusetts regarding the decriminalization of marijuana in small quantities.
According to South Coast Today, Question 2 will be voted upon this November and would see prosecution for holding the drug become similar to that for gaining a traffic ticket.
Currently, possession of the drug is subject to a six month jail sentence and a $500 fine.
However, the proposed law would make possession of an ounce or less punishable only by a ticket and a $100 fine.
Supporters, including the Committee for Sensible Marijuana Policy (CSMP), argue that it would save about $30 million a year in administrative costs for the police, but pointed out that the organization does not condone the use of marijuana.
“We’re keeping marijuana illegal. We are just changing how we are penalizing people,” said Whitney Taylor, CSMP spokesperson.
Opposers of Question 2 argue that it would see drug abuse increase, especially among young people.
Marijuana laws differ in every state, but buying, selling, using or growing the drug is illegal across the U.S.
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