MARIJUANA POSSESSION FEES COLLECTED

Hingham - Town Clerk Eileen McCracken's job duties have expanded.

She is now the collector of marijuana possession fees. "It's like a
parking fee," one selectman noted at a recent meeting.

"We've had violations already," McCracken said. "I have four citations on
record so far, but nobody has stepped forward to pay them yet." The fine
must be paid within a certain timeframe. After that, McCracken notifies
the Hingham Police Department.

During the November election, Hingham voters voted "yes" to
decriminalizing marijuana use, 8,101 to 5,150.

This change, effective Jan. 1, 2009, replaced the criminal penalties for
possession of one ounce or less of marijuana with a new system of civil
penalties.

This is enforced by the police issuing citations for possession and
excludes information regarding this civil offense from the state's
criminal record information system (CORI).

Offenders age 18 or older would be subject to forfeiture of the marijuana
plus a civil penalty of $100.

Those under the age of 18 caught with an ounce or less would be subject to
the same forfeiture, and, if they successfully complete a drug awareness
program within one year of the offense, the same $100 penalty.

Offenders who do not complete the drug awareness program within one year
could also be required to pay a higher penalty -- as much as $1,000.

The new law allows local ordinances or bylaws prohibiting the public use
of marijuana and would not affect existing laws, practices, or policies
concerning operating a motor vehicle or taking other actions while under
the influence, unlawful possession of prescription forms of marijuana, or
selling, manufacturing, or trafficking in marijuana.