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Newshawk: Humphrey Ploughjogger http://masscann.org/
Pubdate: Fri, 24 Feb 2006
Source: Lowell Sun (MA)
Copyright: 2006 MediaNews Group, Inc.
Contact:
Website: http://www.lowellsun.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/852
Author: David Perry
Cited: National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws
http://www.NORML.org
Cited: Marijuana Policy Project http://www.MPP.org
AN OUNCE OF POT -- AND JUST AN OUNCE OF TROUBLE
For decades, marijuana has offered forbidden pleasure to its users,
but a sobering penalty when caught. Last week, a state legislative
committee took the first step toward lessening the sting for those
caught with small amounts of marijuana.
The Mental Health and Substance Abuse Committee voted 6-1 to make
possession of less than an ounce of the drug a civil offense,
punishable by a $250 fine. The citation may be paid by mail, just
like a parking ticket. Parents of those 18 years and younger in
possession of less than an ounce of pot also would be notified.
As the law stands, offenders risk up to six months in jail and a $500
fine. Such a measure has a long way to go -- it must be approved by
the House and Senate. It then goes to the desk of Gov. Mitt Romney,
whose anti-drug stance has been staunch.
[Remainder snipped]
MAP posted-by: Richard Lake
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