Pubdate: Sun, 02 Nov 2008
Source: Worcester Telegram & Gazette (MA)
Copyright: 2008 Worcester Telegram & Gazette
Contact:  http://www.telegram.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/509
Note: Rarely prints LTEs from outside circulation area - requires 
'Letter to the Editor' in subject
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization)

QUESTION 2 DECRIMINALIZATION OF MARIJUANA

Question 2 seeks to replace criminal penalties for possession of one 
ounce or less of marijuana with a new system of civil penalties, to 
be enforced by issuing citations. The new system would exclude 
information regarding this civil offense from the state's criminal 
record information system (CORI). Offenders age 18 or older would be 
subject to forfeiture of the marijuana plus a civil penalty of $100. 
Offenders under the age of 18 would be subject to the same forfeiture 
and, if they complete a drug awareness program within one year of the 
offense, the same $100 penalty.

Proponents of Question 2 say changing the penalties for possessing 
small amounts of marijuana would free police up to focus on serious 
crimes, rather than arresting 7,500 people annually for marijuana 
possession. Taxpayers would save $30 million a year in arrest costs.

"Question 2 would not increase marijuana use," said Whitney A. 
Taylor, campaign manager for the Committee for Sensible Marijuana 
Policy. "Eleven other states have similar laws and have shown no 
increase in marijuana use."

Opponents include most law enforcement agencies.

"Marijuana decriminalization is an endorsement of substance abuse and 
dangerous criminal activity, and sends the wrong message to young 
people," said Michael O'Keefe, district attorney for the Cape and 
Islands, and president of the Massachusetts District Attorneys Association.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom