Massachusetts Voters Okay Easing Marijuana Laws

[High Plains]

Source: Boston Herald

BOSTON - People caught with an ounce or less of marijuana won’t be considered criminals in Massachusetts.

Voters have approved a measure to ease marijuana laws. Under the new law, which takes effect in 30 days, those caught will be forced to give up the pot and pay a $100 fine, instead of facing criminal penalties.

Supporters say the measure spares those caught with small amounts of the drug from having a criminal record, which can make it harder to get a job, student loan or gain access to public housing.

Critics, led by the state’s 11 district attorneys, warn the measure could lead to more drug abuse among young people.



Read more: http://news.bostonherald.com/news/politics/view/2008_11_04_Mass_voters_OK_easing_marijuana_laws/

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I think that makes 12. And 13 medical marijuana states now, with Michigan's win tonight.

[martymar64]

1. Spark up a toast for Massachussetts!

:yourock:

[axollot]

4. ditto - medical use here to calm down

enough to sleep! Cried during Obama's speech, hubby too. Called my mother like we were wishing "happy New Year" LOL! My son who voted Obama in his first election 19 days before he turns 19 will remember this moment for life and remember *his* vote mattered. When so many, generation after generation have felt the game was rigged.

*sigh* Think it's kicking in.....

Cheers
Sandy

LOVE THE TWO WORDS PRESIDENT OBAMA!!! w00t

[Xipe Totec]

2. And the surprise is what?

:hippie: :smoke:

[nichomachus]

3. Far out, dude n/t

[edbermac]

5. Reminds me of the old Steve Martin joke.

"I wouldn't smoke marijuana in California...you could get a TICKET for that!"

[slampoet]

9. "I only smoked it in the early late evening....."

[loudsue]

6. Now we have to work on NOT having to give it up and pay a fine.

But it's a great start!

:kick:

[dchristie]

7. A Pretty Sad Commentary

It's a sad commentary that there are still those who have the astounding and galling nerve to interfere with personal choices regarding what people decide to use in their own bodies for pain or personal recreation.

And it's just another example of how thoroughly law enforcement officials have forgotten whom they work for and just how little they care for the basic principles of liberty and privacy.

Perhaps the election of Obama is a sign that people are not going to put up with these imperious bastards lording over those who are, in fact, their employers anymore.

These 11 prosecutors obviously need a refresher course on what can happen when "We The People" decide to take justice into our own hands when arrogant government officials need an attitude adjustment and some stern tutoring on what "Land Of The Free" is supposed to mean.

America itself was founded by those who refused to obey Bad Law.

And they weren't afraid to deal with those who imposed and enforced bad laws in any way necessary.

[JenniferJuniper]

8. Pass the kutchie on the left hand side!

Smokin' marijuana is more fun than drinking beer.