Penalties for misdemeanor marijuana possession to shrink

[Kenect2]

Penalties for possessing small amounts of marijuana in Maryland — less than 10 grams — will drop in October, when a new law goes into effect reducing the maximum prison term to 90 days from one year and cutting the potential fine in half, to $500 from $1000.

Baltimore State's Attorney Gregg Bernstein backed the bill, which was signed into law Wednesday, as a way to reduce the number of cases clogging the city's circuit courts.

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/bre...,1490193.story

A step in the right direction, but still not good enough. It is totally insane that anyone should go to jail for possession of a plant.

[Pigdog]

boy, I'm with you!

[Wizard777]

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/bre...,1490193.story

A step in the right direction, but still not good enough. It is totally insane that anyone should go to jail for possession of a plant.

I agree with that whole heartedly. But I am impressed with Bernstein on this initiative. I think it also sends a extra special message when the bill comes from someone trying to establish themselves as a tough on crime Prosecutor. But ultimately I think everybody wins on this law. If it works out well. Who knows? They may even lower the penalties again in the future.