Pubdate: Thu, 23 Feb 2006
Source: Georgetown Record (MA)
Contact:  2006 Community Newspapers Inc.
Website: http://www2.townonline.com/georgetown/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3519
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization)

ALSO UP ON BEACON HILL

Decriminalize marijuana (S 1151) - The Mental Health and  Substance 
Abuse Committee voted 6-1 in favor of a bill decriminalizing the 
possession of less than an ounce of marijuana and making it a civil 
offense  subject to a $250 fine. The decriminalization and the fine 
apply to all age  groups, including children and adults. Violators 
who are 18 and older would be  issued the $250 citation while 
citations for offenders under 18 would be  delivered to their parent 
or legal guardian.

Supporters said  that 11 other states have had no negative effects 
following their  decriminalization of marijuana and noted that the 
action would save Massachusetts more than $24 million in arrest and 
booking costs. They noted that there is a difference between 
marijuana and harder drugs and argued that non-dealers who use 
marijuana should not have a criminal record that follows them for many years.

Opponents,  including Attorney General Thomas Reilly, argued that the 
bill sends the wrong  message to kids and urged the state to focus on 
education and prevention  programs that would discourage drug use. 
Some said that  the bill essentially legalizes personal marijuana use 
and would encourage young  children to smoke marijuana and only be 
subject to a $250 fine and parental  discipline.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom