On Nov. 4, a majority of voters in Massachusetts chose to decriminalize possession of small amounts of marijuana. Those in possession of less than an ounce of marijuana are no longer charged with a criminal offense but instead face a $100 fine.
The new law officially takes effect tomorrow. Yet some police departments across the state say they are uncertain as to how to enforce it, noting they do not have the proper citations and raising other questions. Indeed, the state Executive Office of Public Safety and Security just Monday issued guidelines for police departments regarding local enforcement of the new mandates.
So, why is this so difficult? It's been nearly two months since 65 percent of Massachusetts voters, amid a record turnout, opted to change the law. Yes, law enforcement officials across the state opposed it, and we at the Times endorsed a "no" vote to the changes ourselves. But the voters indeed had their say, and won the day. Unlike some state lawmakers, we actually think that has to be the final word, and law enforcement officials have to recognize that as well.
Under the new law, people caught with a small amount of marijuana will be forced to hand over the drug and pay a $100 fine. Those under 18 will be required to complete a drug awareness program or face a stiffer $1,000 fine. They can either pay a fine to a clerk or request a District Court hearing.
It's apparent that the will of the voters was that simple possession of marijuana be treated as a relatively trivial matter: pay a small fine and be done with it.
The best course for all local and state police, like it or not, is to simply enforce the law as written, and follow the orders of the voters who pay their salaries.
News Hawk- Ganjarden 420 MAGAZINE ® - Medical Marijuana Publication & Social Networking
Source: Gloucester Daily Times
Contact: Gloucester Daily Times
Copyright: 2009 Eagle Tribune Publishing Company
Website: Police Should Simply Enforce New Pot Law As Written
The new law officially takes effect tomorrow. Yet some police departments across the state say they are uncertain as to how to enforce it, noting they do not have the proper citations and raising other questions. Indeed, the state Executive Office of Public Safety and Security just Monday issued guidelines for police departments regarding local enforcement of the new mandates.
So, why is this so difficult? It's been nearly two months since 65 percent of Massachusetts voters, amid a record turnout, opted to change the law. Yes, law enforcement officials across the state opposed it, and we at the Times endorsed a "no" vote to the changes ourselves. But the voters indeed had their say, and won the day. Unlike some state lawmakers, we actually think that has to be the final word, and law enforcement officials have to recognize that as well.
Under the new law, people caught with a small amount of marijuana will be forced to hand over the drug and pay a $100 fine. Those under 18 will be required to complete a drug awareness program or face a stiffer $1,000 fine. They can either pay a fine to a clerk or request a District Court hearing.
It's apparent that the will of the voters was that simple possession of marijuana be treated as a relatively trivial matter: pay a small fine and be done with it.
The best course for all local and state police, like it or not, is to simply enforce the law as written, and follow the orders of the voters who pay their salaries.
News Hawk- Ganjarden 420 MAGAZINE ® - Medical Marijuana Publication & Social Networking
Source: Gloucester Daily Times
Contact: Gloucester Daily Times
Copyright: 2009 Eagle Tribune Publishing Company
Website: Police Should Simply Enforce New Pot Law As Written
