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February 14, 2006
MA Legislative Cmte Votes in Favor of Fines for Marijuana Possession
Drug Policy Forum of Massachusetts
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Whitney A. Taylor
February 13, 2006 (617) 335-1841
MA Legislators Vote in Favor of Fines for Marijuana Possession
The First Time in Over a Decade a Joint Committee of the Massachusetts Legislature
Passes Out a Bill to Decriminalize Marijuana
Boston — The Massachusetts General Court’s Joint Mental Health & Substance Abuse Committee passed out favorably the late Senator Charles Shannon’s Senate Bill 1151 — “An Act to Impose a Civil Fine for the Possession of Marijuana.” The bill, which would require a civil fine of $250 to be paid if an adult is caught possessing an ounce or less of marijuana, is a major step in creating policies in Massachusetts that discern between marijuana and other drugs, substance use vs. abuse, as well as a criminal justice approach vs. a treatment approach for those suffering from addiction.
“The Committee is reflecting the attitude of the majority of Bay Staters — that personal possession of marijuana should not lead to a criminal record that will damage the rest of someone’s life,” stated Committee Chairwoman Representative Ruth Balser (D-Newton). “It is the goal of the Mental Health & Substance Abuse Committee to have drug abuse seen in a treatment context, not a criminal justice context.”
While adults will pay a civil fine for the possession of an ounce or less of marijuana, S.1151 does require that the parent or guardian of any juvenile qualifying for a civil infraction under this law must be notified and the citation will be delivered to them directly. In a 2002 study by Harvard Economist Dr. Jeffery Miron, it was determined that S.1151 would save Massachusetts taxpayers $24.3 million a year in arrest and booking costs alone, with fines generating an undetermined amount of revenue.
"We must be realistic about the differences between various illicit substances and the dangers they present to our communities," said Committee Chairman Senator Steven Tolman (D-Boston). "It is time the legislature had an honest debate on marijuana and our criminal justice system and I look forward to participating in that debate."
Marijuana has been decriminalized in 11 other states across the U.S. with no negative effects. Specifically, California has reported a decrease in youth marijuana use over the last 5 years under their marijuana decriminalization system.
“Massachusetts needs to be smart in our approach to drug control,” commented Committee Member Rep. John Scibak, (D-2nd Hampshire). “We should spend our time and money helping those who are suffering from addiction, not handing out criminal records.”
“It is wonderful to see Massachusetts legislators taking this step toward a sensible debate on marijuana control policies,” concluded Whitney A. Taylor, Executive Director of the Drug Policy Forum of Massachusetts. “We are moving away from policies based on stigma and punishment, to those based on science, efficacy and human dignity.”
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Posted by lois at February 14, 2006 10:00 AM