Title:
Progress on caregiver defense and decriminalization in Maryland
Message:
Last week, I testified before a Senate committee in Annapolis in favor of legislation that would remove criminal penalties for marijuana possession and make it a civil citation offense, akin to a traffic ticket, punishable by a $100 fine. The committee was very receptive to the idea, and there’s a very real chance this legislation will get a vote on the Senate floor this year.
Ask your legislators to support decriminalization.
The highlight of last week’s hearing was testimony by a young man who had been arrested for marijuana possession who spoke to the embarrassment, frustration, and collateral consequences of a marijuana arrest. We need more witnesses like him. If you or someone you know was arrested for marijuana possession, email me.
In other news, while patients in Maryland have an affirmative defense against charges of marijuana possession, there’s no such legal protection for their caregivers. However, a bill that would extend the defense to caregivers was approved by a key committee Thursday. Please also ask your legislators to support this bill.
Maryland’s marijuana laws are getting better every year thanks to your calls and emails. Please keep it up, and forward this to your friends so they can too.
