Pubdate: Thu, 16 Feb 2006
Source: Somerville Journal (MA)
Copyright: 2006 Somerville Journal
Contact:  http://www2.townonline.com/somerville/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3621
Author: Amy  Lambiaso, State House News Service
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm  (Decrim/Legalization)

SHANNON'S LEGAL POT BILL GETS ATTENTION

Setting up a conflict with the Romney administration, lawmakers on 
Monday advanced a longstanding Beacon Hill proposal to decriminalize 
the possession of enough marijuana for teens to roll dozens of joints.

Approved 6-1 by the Mental  Health and Substance Abuse Committee, the 
proposal would change the penalty for  possessing less than an ounce 
of marijuana to a $250 civil fine for anyone 18  years old and younger.

Currently, someone convicted of such an offense can be  sent to jail 
for up to six months for the crime and pay a $500 fine for a first offense.

According to Lea Palleria Cox of Concerned Citizens for Drug 
Prevention  Inc. and a bill opponent, an ounce of marijuana equals 
roughly 57 joints. The issue has  been a source of contention for 
years in the Legislature, with the late Sen.  Charles Shannon as its 
biggest advocate.

Lawmakers in the past have included a  similar provision in the 
budget, only to have it vetoed by former Acting Gov.  Jane Swift. 
Gov. Mitt Romney is also a likely opponent to the proposal; Lt. 
Gov.  Kerry Healey has expressed her opposition to proposal, saying 
it could treat marijuana lightly under the law, and Romney's 
spokesman said lawmakers should  remain tough on drugs.
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman