ALSO UP ON BEACON HILL

Decriminalize marijuana (S 1151) - The Mental Health and Substance
Abuse Committee voted 6-1 in favor of a bill decriminalizing the
possession of less than an ounce of marijuana and making it a civil
offense subject to a $250 fine. The decriminalization and the fine
apply to all age groups, including children and adults. Violators
who are 18 and older would be issued the $250 citation while
citations for offenders under 18 would be delivered to their parent
or legal guardian.

Supporters said that 11 other states have had no negative effects
following their decriminalization of marijuana and noted that the
action would save Massachusetts more than $24 million in arrest and
booking costs. They noted that there is a difference between
marijuana and harder drugs and argued that non-dealers who use
marijuana should not have a criminal record that follows them for many years.

Opponents, including Attorney General Thomas Reilly, argued that the
bill sends the wrong message to kids and urged the state to focus on
education and prevention programs that would discourage drug use.
Some said that the bill essentially legalizes personal marijuana use
and would encourage young children to smoke marijuana and only be
subject to a $250 fine and parental discipline.