March 20th, 2013 by WCBC Radio
The Maryland Senate has approved a bill to make possession of small amounts of marijuana a civil rather than a criminal offense. The measure would apply to those who possess less than 10 grams of marijuana. By a vote of 30-16, the Senate approved a bill that would reduce the offense from a criminal misdemeanor to a civil offense with a $100 fine. This bill now goes to the House of Delegates, where a committee has held a hearing to legalize limited amounts of marijuana for adults 21 and older. The bill would remove all penalties for private possession of up to an ounce of marijuana and cultivation of up to three plants. The measure also would direct the Maryland comptroller to license marijuana retail stores, wholesale facilities and testing facilities.
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