Posts Tagged ‘marijuana’

In Massachusetts, when the possession of one ounce or lesser amount of the drug marijuana was legalized, there were many people who applauded this legislature. However, some newer changes have been introduced in this decriminalization law. In the new section of this marijuana law of Massachusetts, it has been stated that the possession of an ounce or lesser of this drug will be seen as a civil infraction even if not a criminal offence. Moreover, the offender will also be given a civil citation. Now, for the adult offenders of Massachusetts, a fine of $100 will be slapped besides forfeiture of the drug. Also, if an individual is under the age of eighteen, he or she will have to enroll into a drug awareness program and complete it. This program will require the accused to attend a minimum four hours classroom or a group discussion. Then it would be followed by ten hours of service to the community.

Within one year of the completion of this program, the individual must file for a certificate with the local district court’s clerk. If that is not done, then the offender will be punished with higher fines and in some cases a criminal charge can also be slapped on to the individual. Moreover, in Massachusetts, when a person is charged with illegal possession of marijuana, the consequences can become very problematic and drag him or her to the legal doors. That only means that teenagers living in Massachusetts cannot look at the offense casually as a ‘free pass’ to smoke the drug and drive. This is because, according to the state laws even when a person is on a ‘high’ and is driving, he or she can be slapped with charges of being under the influence of the drug and driving.

Furthermore, if an individual claims that the marijuana he or she possesses weighs an ounce or lesser and had shared jointly with a friend or gave it some of the substance to someone else, then this person can be charged with the illegal distribution of marijuana. If the police are informed about that person’s intentions of sharing the drug, then he or she can be slapped with serious charges of ‘marijuana possession with intent to distribute’. Also, if in that event a search reveals baggies, scales, huge amount of money, razor blades and other such items usually used for marijuana distribution, then the person will have a tough time with the Massachusetts drug law enforcement officials.