Anyone from Massachusetts?

[Awill3449]

Check this out if you didn't already see it:

http://www.cannabisnews.com/news/thread21593.shtml

It looks like Mass could decriminalize pretty soon. That would be a great step. I'd like to take a look at this bill...It's been around for a while, I hope that it finally passes this time around.

[beachguy in thongs]

That's great.

Now, where's the bill that pay restitution for depleting my college fund?

[187]

ya im from mass sick is that the whole state or just boston like in denver

[Alcoholic9]

That will never pass. Just a few years ago you couldn't buy liquor on Sundays in MA.

[Fishmon]

I am from Rhode Island. Nice if it passes. Say it with me. "I love blue States!":dance:

[lemonboy]

You still can't buy liquor here on Sundays. Not even beer or anything. Only supermarkets can be open before 1:30PM on Sundays too.

I'm pretty sure we've been a red state ever since I was born. Sigh.

[420Toaker]

thatd be so sick if it passes.

Where i live in MA all the stores sell liquor on sundays now and all the liquor stores are open too.

[Awill3449]

Yeah, it's the "blue laws." But that doesnt mean this won't pass...the committe passed it 6-1!! I'm opptomistic. Romney might veto, though, but they could override.

About the blue laws, they're just old laws in the books. Mass is a very liberal state on all social issues (including drugs). This law deffinetly has a chance. They really only keep those laws out of tradition, IMO

[memoriesofhash]

Where are you all from? I'm from Western MA, right near Northampton

[Awill3449]

Eastern Mass.

[187]

western here pittsfield

[davve]

noho? siiicck
i go to a little prep shcool in deerfield.
we go to noho all the time though on weekends. Email me and and we can hook up and chill sometime!
[email protected]

[420Toaker]

eastern MA westport. You guys may know NewBedford which is like 20 mins from me.

[sweetsandysue03]

Woot! WooT! NOrthern RI, near MA border checkin in. Hope we're next!

[Xylene]

I don't understand all of these state laws for decriminalization. Perhaps I'm just misunderstood, but as fas as I know (such as the Denver law that passed recently), the law really means absoletely nothing. The reason I hear it doesn't mean anything is just becuase it's decriminalized in the state doesn't mean you can't be charged with possession by the federal law. Though, I could just be mistaken.

[187]

normally you won't be charged with federal law. the denver one was different because that was city law not state. medical marijuana is still against federal law.

[Awill3449]

I don't understand all of these state laws for decriminalization. Perhaps I'm just misunderstood, but as fas as I know (such as the Denver law that passed recently), the law really means absoletely nothing. The reason I hear it doesn't mean anything is just becuase it's decriminalized in the state doesn't mean you can't be charged with possession by the federal law. Though, I could just be mistaken.
Sort of right. If mass passes decrim, weed will still be ILLEGAL, but the penalties will be more reasonable. If you get arrested in Mass, you're going to be charged under state law, not Federal law (unless you're arrested by NSA, FBI, DEA, ect). They would then give you the state's penalty, not the gov't penatly.

The difference for Denver is that Denver is a city, and people are rarely charged under city law/ordinance, especially when it involves drugs. City laws are normally used for things like noise complaints. So if you're arrested in Denver, you'd be charged with breaking CO law. If the legalization passes in CO, I'd imagine the gov't might step in and start changing growers and distributers under Federal law, like they are doing in California with the MMJ growers and sellers.

[rastabill89]

Massachusetts: Decrim Bill Advances
Boston, MA: Senate legislation that would remove criminal penalties for the possession of less than one ounce of marijuana was approved by the Joint Mental Health and Substances Abuse Committee this week by a 6-1 vote.

If passed into law, Senate Bill 1151 would decrease penalties for the minor possession of marijuana to a civil offense punishable by a maximum fine of $250. Currently, state law treats simple possession as a criminal offense punishable by up to six months in jail and a $500 fine.

Twelve states and numerous municipalities have enacted similar versions of marijuana decriminalization.

The House Judiciary Committee is scheduled to hear testimony on House Bill 862, the companion bill to SB 1151, in March.

In 2004, voters in three Massachusetts Senate and eight House districts overwhelmingly backed several non-binding "public policy questions" depenalizing the possession of marijuana for personal use, and legalizing the medical use of cannabis for patients who possess a doctor's authorization.