Annapolis, MD: Republican Gov. Larry Hogan vetoed legislation Friday that sought to depenalize marijuana paraphernalia offenses.
Senators had previously passed Senate Bill 517 by a vote of 32 to 13. Members of the House of Delegates approved the measure by a vote of 83 to 53.
Votes from three-fifths of lawmakers from each chamber are needed to override a veto.
Senate Bill 517 amended state law so that the possession of marijuana paraphernalia would no longer be classified as a criminal offense. Maryland law currently classifies the possession of marijuana paraphernalia as a criminal misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and a $500 fine.
Last year, lawmakers enacted legislation decriminalizing the possession of up to 10 grams of marijuana.
For more information, please contact Maryland NORML online at: http://www.marylandnorml.org/.