Massachusetts' new marijuana possession citation law is now in effect

Question 2 goes into effect today, January 2, which makes possession of up to an ounce of marijuana a civil citation punishable by a $100 fine. The new law reduces the maximum penalty from six months in jail, a $500 fine, and a damaging criminal record.

Pursuant to Massachusetts law, initiatives go into effect 30 days after election results are certified, which happened on December 3. The official results show that Question 2 received an impressive 65% of the vote on Election Day, proving to be more popular at the ballot than president-elect Barack Obama, who received 62% of the vote.

With the passage of Question 2, Massachusetts joins the list of 11 other states that have, under certain circumstances, removed the threat of jail time for those found to be in possession of small amounts of marijuana. However, Question 2 goes further than many of the other laws by making possession a civil — not a criminal — violation. This means that those who possess an ounce or less of marijuana in Massachusetts will no longer have to face the collateral consequences of a marijuana conviction, which include the denial of public housing, unemployment benefits, and student aid, among other things.

Besides keeping otherwise law abiding citizens from being exposed to the horrors of jail, Question 2 will save the state as estimated $30 million per year and allow law enforcement to concentrate on more serious crime like rape and murder.

MPP will continue to work with local activists and officials to ensure a smooth transition to the new system, which was specifically designed to fit easily into current civil offense procedures.

Please keep an eye out for our future e-mail alerts and pass this alert on to your fellow citizens so they are up to date on marijuana policy reform in Massachusetts. Thank you again for your help in making this sensible new law a reality — in the end, it's people like you who will end the inhumane war on marijuana users.