MASSACHUSETTS BALLOT INITIATIVES

QUESTION 2

This question would replace existing criminal penalties for
possession of less than one ounce of marijuana with civil penalties
of $100.

Currently, offenders face up to six months in prison, a $500 fine,
and a permanent criminal record. It is estimated that $29.5 million
per year is spent on enforcement of the law on low level arrests for
possession, not to mention the time and money spent by the state on
the court system and subsequent jail time for convicted offenders.
This ballot initiative would mandate penalties in addition to the
$100 fine for minors caught with marijuana, including mandatory
participation in a drug awareness program, parental notification, and
10 hours of community service.

A 1993 study in The Social Sciences Journal found that there is no
evidence decriminalization of marijuana affects its frequency of use.
Additionally, multiple studies have found that rates of other drug
use among emergency room patients are significantly higher in states
that have criminal penalties for possession of small amounts of
marijuana, indicating criminalization of marijuana encourages use of
more dangerous drugs.

Massachusetts jails are filled with low level drug offenders whose
only crime was possession of marijuana, often lumped in with more
serious criminals such as sex offenders and murderers. Additionally,
those convicted of possession will have the charges listed
permanently on their criminal record, an injustice that serves as an
impediment to getting a job, a loan, or a house for the rest of their
lives.

Even if you stand opposed to use of marijuana, decriminalization
makes sense.

Vote YES on Question 2.