Pubdate: Mon, 10 Mar 2014
Source: Washington Times (DC)
Copyright: 2014 Associated Press
Contact:  http://www.washingtontimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/492

COMMITTEE APPROVES MARIJUANA DECRIMINALIZATION

(AP) - The Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee on Friday approved a 
measure relegating marijuana possession to a civil offense.

The committee has not voted on a proposal to eliminate all penalties 
for possessing marijuana in small amounts, as Colorado and Washington 
have done.

Police chiefs have objected to the bill on the grounds that officers 
sometimes use the smell of marijuana as a pretext for stopping 
drivers and searching their vehicles, and sometimes they find weapons 
and huge amounts of drugs.

Sen. Robert A. Zirkin, Baltimore County Democrat who introduced the 
bill, noted that possessing more than 10 ounces would remain a crime 
- - meaning it would remain a valid pretext for traffic stops.

Parallel bills are pending in the House Judiciary Committee.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom