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Maryland Democratic Governor Martin O'Malley on Monday signed into law two marijuana related bills — the medical marijuana bill and the decriminalization bill, making Maryland the 21st state with an effective medical marijuana program and the 17th state to decriminalize possession of small amounts of marijuana. Starting Oct. 1, Senate Bill 364 removes criminal sanctions on those caught with less than 10 grams of marijuana, replacing them with a civil fine of up to $100 for first-time offenders, up to $250 for second-time offenders and up to $500 for subsequent offenses. Third-time offenders and those under the age of 21 will be required to undergo a clinical assessment for substance abuse disorder and a drug education program.
"By signing this bill we're taking an important step towards making our justice system more fair and ensuring all of our young people have the same opportunity for a brighter future," said Lt. Governor Anthony Brown. "The decriminalization of the possession of small amounts of marijuana will free up resources to fight violent crime throughout our state." In a tweet following the bill signing, Governor O'Malley, a potential 2016 presidential candidate, said decriminalization will "make it easier for law enforcement to focus on higher priority crimes & drive down violence in MD."
The Marijuana Policy Coalition of Maryland applauded O'Malley for his leadership on the issue. "Maryland can no longer sustain the costs associated with outdated marijuana prohibition policies," the group said in a written statement Monday. "The community has known this for quite some time, and we are pleased to see our elected representatives are doing something about it. Political opinions are finally catching up with public opinion." The second bill that O'Malley signed into law was House Bill 881, which allows patients with a chronic disease, wasting syndrome, severe pain, nausea, seizures, and muscle spasms to get medicine from licensed medical marijuana dispensaries, after approval from a doctor who is approved by the state. Individuals must also obtain an identification card before they will be eligible to access a licensed dispensary. "We're excited to welcome Maryland as the 21st medical marijuana state," said Mike Liszewski, policy director with Americans for Safe Access (ASA), in a press release. "Maryland's medical marijuana law will at long last provide patients with needed protection from arrest and prosecution, and give them a means to safely and legally obtain medical marijuana."
News Moderator - The General @ 420 MAGAZINE ®
Source: Inthecapital.streetwise.co
Author: Ayobami Olugbemiga
Contact: Contact Us | InTheCapital
Website: Politics News: O'Malley Signs Marijuana Decriminalization | InTheCapital
"By signing this bill we're taking an important step towards making our justice system more fair and ensuring all of our young people have the same opportunity for a brighter future," said Lt. Governor Anthony Brown. "The decriminalization of the possession of small amounts of marijuana will free up resources to fight violent crime throughout our state." In a tweet following the bill signing, Governor O'Malley, a potential 2016 presidential candidate, said decriminalization will "make it easier for law enforcement to focus on higher priority crimes & drive down violence in MD."
The Marijuana Policy Coalition of Maryland applauded O'Malley for his leadership on the issue. "Maryland can no longer sustain the costs associated with outdated marijuana prohibition policies," the group said in a written statement Monday. "The community has known this for quite some time, and we are pleased to see our elected representatives are doing something about it. Political opinions are finally catching up with public opinion." The second bill that O'Malley signed into law was House Bill 881, which allows patients with a chronic disease, wasting syndrome, severe pain, nausea, seizures, and muscle spasms to get medicine from licensed medical marijuana dispensaries, after approval from a doctor who is approved by the state. Individuals must also obtain an identification card before they will be eligible to access a licensed dispensary. "We're excited to welcome Maryland as the 21st medical marijuana state," said Mike Liszewski, policy director with Americans for Safe Access (ASA), in a press release. "Maryland's medical marijuana law will at long last provide patients with needed protection from arrest and prosecution, and give them a means to safely and legally obtain medical marijuana."
News Moderator - The General @ 420 MAGAZINE ®
Source: Inthecapital.streetwise.co
Author: Ayobami Olugbemiga
Contact: Contact Us | InTheCapital
Website: Politics News: O'Malley Signs Marijuana Decriminalization | InTheCapital
