Three bills calling for the decriminalization of marijuana have been introduced in the Massachusetts House of Representatives.
House Bill 2124, introduced by Rep. Patricia D. Jehlen (D-Middlesex County), would institute a civil fine of $100 and no arrest for persons over the age of 18 who possess an ounce or less of marijuana.
House Bill 1170, introduced by Rep. Branford Hill (R-Essex County), calls for a civil fine of $300 and no arrest for persons over the age of 18 who are caught possessing any amount of marijuana.
A third decriminalization bill, House Bill 1223, also introduced by Rep. Hill, would allow for persons aged 21 or over to legally possess 40 grams or less of marijuana. If the person possesses more than 40 grams of marijuana, he or she must pay a $1 per gram tax to the state for a tax stamp.
Rep. Hill’s bills were introduced at the request of Massachusetts Cannabis Reform Coalition/NORML attorney Stephen Epstein, Esq. In November 2000, decriminalization public policy questions were approved by the voters in three Massachusetts districts.
For more information, please contact Stephen Epstein, Esq., at (978) 685-9696 or visit http://capwiz.com/norml2.
