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NORML's Weekly News Bulletin - January 8, 2009 Posted by on January 08, 2009 at 12:18:30 PT Weekly Press Release Source: NORML Massachusetts Becomes Thirteenth US State To Decriminalize Pot January 8, 2009 - Boston, MA, USA Boston, MA: A voter-approved initiative reducing penalties for the possession of marijuana in Massachusetts took effect last week, making it the thirteenth US state to eliminate criminal sanctions for adults who use cannabis. Read More... What The Next Surgeon General Doesn't Know Posted by on January 08, 2009 at 06:47:22 PT By Russ Belville, NORML Source: AlterNet USA -- If Dr. Sanjay Gupta is picked for the post of surgeon general, he would become the nation's leading medical advocate. His experience in the media would be beneficial in bringing the Surgeon General's office back to the prominence it held when C. Everett Koop was successfully battling tobacco smoking. But is Gupta ready to deliver the Obama administration's promised end to the politicization of science and medicine? More specifically, will Gupta toe the federal line that cannabis is lacking in any medical value, or will he recognize what 13 states and the past 12 years of research prove -- that cannabis is a beneficial medicine for some people and an intoxicant far less harmful than alcohol for others? Read More... New Pot Law Poses Questions on Enforcement Posted by on January 08, 2009 at 05:40:32 PT By Steve Myrick Source: Martha's Vineyard Times Massachusetts -- Island police officers and courts are proceeding slowly this week to enforce a new law that decriminalizes small amounts of marijuana. In the view of some local law enforcement agencies, the new law creates inconsistencies in substance abuse penalties, adds unnecessary paperwork, and weakens their efforts to keep drugs out of Vineyard communities. While there are several unanswered questions about implementation of the controversial measure, most law enforcement groups on Martha's Vineyard believe that little will change in the way they deal with offenders, because they seldom arrested offenders solely on a charge of possessing a small amount of marijuana before the new law was enacted. Read More... Smoking Herb Not Necessarily a Road To Ruin Posted by on January 07, 2009 at 07:06:01 PT By Clive McFarlane, T&G Staff Source: Worcester Telegram & Gazette Massachusetts -- What is it that causes a nation known for its higher-order thinking to go absolutely schizo every time the subject of marijuana — herb, ganja, pot, call it what you will — comes up? The country’s far-flung laws on the drug reflect how dysfunctional we are on the subject. It is a petty offense and a maximum fine of $100 for possession of less than an ounce in Colorado. It is a $2,000 fine and up to a year in jail in New Hampshire for possession of any amount. It is a $5,000 fine and three years in prison for possession in Puerto Rico, one of our territories. Read More... Framingham Airs Marijuana Restrictions Posted by on January 07, 2009 at 06:57:02 PT By Matt Byrne, Globe Correspondent Source: Boston Globe Framington, MA -- Officials last night took an initial step toward making Framingham the first town in the state to ban smoking marijuana in public. The Board of Health detailed at its hearing last night how it wants to add smoking marijuana in restaurants, offices, or other public places to the town's antismoking ordinance, which imposes a fine of $50 for smoking a cigarette or cigar in public. Read More... Massachusetts Police Chiefs Legalize Marijuana Posted by on January 07, 2009 at 06:27:21 PT By J.D. Tuccille, Civil Liberties Examiner Source: Examiner Massachusetts -- Police chiefs in towns like Auburn and Clinton, Massachusetts would undoubtedly deny that they have any interest in legalizing marijuana, but that's what they're about to effectively accomplish. Bent out of shape by the details of Question 2, the decriminalization measure that voters passed in November, those law-enforcement officials have announced that they won't bother issuing tickets to people caught smoking marijuana. Read More... Proposed State Med Pot Rules Rile Users Posted by on January 06, 2009 at 09:49:27 PT By Gary Heinlein, Detroit News Lansing Bureau Source: Detroit News Lansing, MI -- State officials are proposing overly restrictive rules that would undo the intent of compassionate medical marijuana law that voters approved in November, backers of the new measure claim. At a hearing Monday on proposed rules to govern medical marijuana use, supporters especially objected to requirements that patients and caregivers keep inventories of the marijuana grown for medical use. Read More... Medical Marijuana Rules Called a Burden on Police Posted by on January 05, 2009 at 12:42:39 PT By Megha Satyanarayana, Free Press Staff Writer Source: Detroit Free Press Michigan -- A spokesman for the Michigan State Police said the department does not want the responsibility of destroying excess medical marijuana, as written in the draft rules being discussed today in Lansing. Greg Zorotney of the State Police executive division said a better solution would be for users or caregivers to destroy excess supply or for the Michigan Department of Community Health to write rules allowing for the transfer of medical marijuana from a retired user to a new user. Read More... Public Questions Proposed Rules on Med Marijuana Posted by on January 05, 2009 at 10:59:33 PT By Neal McNamara Source: City Pulse Michigan -- A set of draft rules for Michigan’s medical marijuana law presented at a state Department of Community Health public hearing this morning were met with intense criticism from the public, with some saying that the proposals contradict the law passed in November by voters. For nearly three hours, members of the public — including medical marijuana users, activists and advocates — expressed concern about some draft rules, including requiring useable marijuana to be kept in a locked cabinet and requiring patients and caregivers to keep an inventory of their marijuana. Read More... Group: Medical Marijuana Draft Rules Unfair Posted by on January 05, 2009 at 07:19:20 PT By Megha Satyanarayana, Free Press Staff Writer Source: Detroit Free Press Michigan -- The draft rules for the state's medical marijuana program treats users like criminals, and not patients that are part of a public health program, said patient and medical marijuana advocates during the opening comments of the only public meeting regarding the new law today in Lansing. About 100 people gathered at state offices to voice their concerns about the multiple rules and regulations drawn by the Michigan Department of Community Health, which will oversee the medical marijuana program starting April 4. Read More... Smoky Subject Posted by on January 04, 2009 at 07:03:52 PT By Sam Allis, Globe Columnist Source: Boston Globe Massachusetts -- The Observer views 2009 with optimism and dread. It depends on the day. What's raising my spirits exponentially are visions of the enforcement of Question 2, the referendum approved in November that reduces the penalty for possession of an ounce or less of marijuana from a criminal offense to a giggle. Question 2 went into effect the day before yesterday. On first inspection, the law looks swell. Anyone over room temperature IQ knows that the criminal prosecution of someone with some dope in his pocket is lunacy. And the mere idea that someone could lose a student loan or flunk a job application because of a dope record is appalling. Read More... Boston Goes To Pot Posted by on January 04, 2009 at 06:29:59 PT By Jessica Fargen and Dave Wedge Source: Boston Herald Massachusetts -- Relieved weed smokers brazenly lit up on Hub streets without fear of arrest for the first time as cops statewide sought to sort out how to handle Massachusetts’ weakened pot laws. “It’s super-relaxing,” said one 31-year-old professional as he fired up a joint in an East Boston park yesterday. “It’s just a lot more easy. I’m super happy this happened. It’s kind of like, ‘What’s the big deal?’ ” Read More... MJ Decriminalization Thrills Some, Worries Others Posted by on January 03, 2009 at 09:41:09 PT By Shauna Staveley Source: Sentinel And Enterprise Massachusetts -- Ashby resident Dustin Rantala thinks the law decriminalizing the possession of less than an ounce of marijuana is a benefit to Massachusetts taxpayers. "Such a small amount of marijuana really isn't a big deal," Rantala, 18, said Friday night outside of Market Basket on John Fitch Highway in Fitchburg. "I think it's going to be good because all our tax money isn't going to be going toward (prosecution)." Read More... Answers Few on 'Question 2' Posted by on January 03, 2009 at 07:29:26 PT By Conor Berry, Berkshire Eagle Staff Source: Berkshire Eagle Pittsfield, MA -- A new state law decriminalizing possession of an ounce or less of marijuana took effect Friday, and the sky did not fall. But the state did recently issue guidelines to help answer last-minute questions from law enforcement officials, while the Berkshire District Attorney's office held training sessions earlier this week for local police departments. Some county law enforcement officials polled by The Eagle on Friday said they had yet to issue any tickets for the new civil offense, which was approved overwhelmingly by voters on Nov. 4. Read More... Marijuana Possession Should Be Legalized Posted by on January 03, 2009 at 06:59:56 PT By The Bristol Press Source: Bristol Press Connecticut -- On Nov. 4, our neighbors to the north voted to decriminalize small amounts of marijuana. As of Friday, anyone in Massachusetts caught with an ounce or less would be issued a $100 ticket and would forfeit the pot. Those younger than 18 who are found to have less than an ounce of the drug must also complete a drug-awareness program within one year. Marijuana is not physically addictive and has been used for centuries without any serious deleterious effect. Overuse can cause problems, like anything else but, used responsibly, marijuana is benign, even more so than alcohol. Read More... Patients Oppose Strict Rules for Medical Marijuana Posted by on January 03, 2009 at 06:32:24 PT By Theresa McClellan, The Grand Rapids Press Source: Grand Rapids Press Grand Rapids, MI -- George Wagoner does not smoke marijuana, but he has seen firsthand the benefits it offered his late wife while she battled ovarian cancer. While he cannot attend Monday's public hearing in Lansing on the proposed rules for those receiving medical marijuana, the 74-year-old retired obstetrician from Manistee wants state officials to know how important it is to make it available as a medicine. Read More... Safety Group Maps Plan for Tackling New Pot Law Posted by on January 02, 2009 at 06:41:55 PT By Kyle Cheney, Statehouse News Service Source: Gloucester Daily Times Boston, MA -- Once admittedly flummoxed at the prospect of implementing a new voter law decriminalizing the possession of an ounce or less of marijuana, state officials are now offering a first glimpse into their strategy. The strategy, addressing the new marijuana law that went into effect today, includes encouraging cities and towns to pass new penalties for using marijuana in public, and reaffirming public schools' right to expel or suspend students who smoke pot on school grounds. Read More... An Inconvenient Question Posted by on January 02, 2009 at 06:09:51 PT Globe Editorial Source: Boston Globe Boston, MA -- The State's new law decriminalizing small amounts of marijuana takes effect today, and while it is not likely to turn Massachusetts into Amsterdam overnight, there are several loopholes and loose ends about the law - passed by the ballot Question 2 in November - that need addressing. The most pressing issue is how to enforce the core provision that replaces criminal penalties for possession of less than an ounce of marijuana with a $100 fine. Read More... A Simple Law Goes One Toke Over The Line Posted by on January 02, 2009 at 05:54:04 PT Editorial Source: Patriot Ledger Quincy, MA -- The voters of Massachusetts spoke clearly Nov. 4 on the topic of marijuana: They want simple possession treated as a civil infraction, more like a parking ticket than a serious crime, with a maximum fine of $100. Other laws involving marijuana stay in place, and those under 18 caught with less than an ounce of pot are required to attend a drug-education course as well as pay the fine. Read More... New Marijuana Law Shouldn't Pose Problems Posted by on January 02, 2009 at 05:37:53 PT Editorial Source: Eagle-Tribune Massachusetts -- On Nov. 4, a majority of voters in Massachusetts chose to decriminalize possession of small amounts of marijuana. Those in possession of less than an ounce of marijuana are no longer charged with a criminal offense, but instead face a $100 fine. Today, the new law takes effect. Yet some local police departments, as well as others across the state, say they are uncertain about how to enforce it. The state Executive Office of Public Safety and Security just Monday issued guidelines for police departments on enforcement of the law. Read More... Pot Law Leaves Rule Very Fuzzy Posted by on January 02, 2009 at 05:22:25 PT By Karen Nugent, Telegram & Gazette Staff Source: Worcester Telegram & Gazette Massachusetts -- Using a strict interpretation of the new state marijuana law, it’s OK for a police officer to light up a joint in a cruiser — but the same officer could be fired for smoking a cigarette in that cruiser. Officers hired in Massachusetts after 1990 are not allowed to use tobacco products. The new marijuana law, approved by state ballot referendum in the November election, not only decriminalizes marijuana, it makes it illegal for prospective employers — including police and school departments — to discriminate against those who possess less than an ounce of the substance because, as of today, it is a civil offense not subject to hiring rules. Read More... Police Should Simply Enforce Pot Law as Written Posted by CN Staff on January 01, 2009 at 09:26:38 PT Editorial Source: Gloucester Daily Times Massachusetts -- On Nov. 4, a majority of voters in Massachusetts chose to decriminalize possession of small amounts of marijuana. Those in possession of less than an ounce of marijuana are no longer charged with a criminal offense but instead face a $100 fine. The new law officially takes effect tomorrow. Yet some police departments across the state say they are uncertain as to how to enforce it, noting they do not have the proper citations and raising other questions. Indeed, the state Executive Office of Public Safety and Security just Monday issued guidelines for police departments regarding local enforcement of the new mandates. Read More... Lawmen Decry New Mass. Law Posted by on December 31, 2008 at 20:44:02 PT By Dan Ring Source: Republican Boston, MA -- Law enforcement officials say there are many loopholes, unintended consequences and other problems in the new law that decriminalizes the possession of small amounts of marijuana. The law replaces criminal penalties for possessing an ounce or less of marijuana with a civil fine of $100, about the same as getting a traffic ticket. Sixty-five percent of Massachusetts' voters approved the ballot law on Nov. 4, and it takes effect on Jan. 2. Read More... Physicians Divided on Medical Marijuana Use Posted by on December 31, 2008 at 10:56:32 PT By Howard Berger Source: Hammonton News New Jersey -- There are many questions about which physicians are uncertain. One of them centers on the use of marijuana to treat illnesses. A measure pending in the state Legislature could authorize the use of medical marijuana to relieve symptoms in seriously ill patients. The state would maintain a registry of people with debilitating medical conditions, such as HIV or AIDS, cancer and glaucoma. Photo identification cards would be issued to those on the registry, and they could possess a limited number of marijuana plants and usable marijuana. Read More... It’s Still Illegal: Pot Puffing Rules Unnecessary Posted by on December 31, 2008 at 06:25:11 PT Editorial Source: Worcester Telegram & Gazette Massachusetts -- In the wake of the ballot initiative that decriminalized possession of small amounts of marijuana, authorities now are weighing the need for laws to control use of the drug. Just as Question 2 was a solution in search of a problem, passing local laws to curb behavior that already is illegal strikes us as redundant. To a majority of voters in November, making possession of one ounce or less of marijuana for personal use a civil infraction seemed a good idea. Read More... Pot Law Will Go Into Effect on Schedule Posted by on December 30, 2008 at 18:21:10 PT By David Kibbe Source: Cape Cod Times Boston, MA -- A voter-approved law to decriminalize possession of small amounts of marijuana goes into effect Friday, despite protests from law enforcement officials who say they need more time and guidance from the state. The Executive Office of Public Safety and Security issued guidelines on the new law yesterday, less than two months after 65 percent of voters approved the measure in a statewide referendum. Read More... Joint Move To Target Public Pot Smoking Posted by on December 30, 2008 at 08:57:07 PT By Dave Wedge and Edward Mason Source: Boston Herald Massachusetts -- Pot smokers flying high over a new law providing simple tickets for possessing small amounts of weed could still find themselves in cuffs as city leaders weigh a state recommendation to get tough on public toking. “I’d sign it in a second,” Lynn Mayor Edward “Chip” Clancy said. “I wasn’t in favor of the ballot question. I don’t think the expansion of marijuana use, or any other drug for that matter, is a good idea.” Read More... State Cuts Through Haze of Marijuana Law Posted by on December 30, 2008 at 08:29:42 PT By John P. Kelly, GateHouse News Service Source: Enterprise MA -- As Massachusetts prepares to decriminalize small amounts of marijuana on Friday, state officials are urging cities and towns to ban public pot smoking and assuring school administrators that students caught with the drug may still be disciplined. Guidelines issued Monday by the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security also say that – as with marijuana – possession of an ounce or less of hashish may be reduced to a civil offense because its main psychoactive ingredient – THC – is the same as in marijuana. Read More... Girding for New Marijuana Law Posted by on December 30, 2008 at 06:36:19 PT By Milton Valencia, Globe Staff Source: Boston Globe Boston, MA -- Police officers should issue tickets, similar to a building code citation, to anyone possessing an ounce or less of marijuana, under an advisory released by the state yesterday recommending ways to manage the law decriminalizing possession of the drug. The law is effective Jan 2. Violators may appeal the citation - a civil infraction - in court within 21 days or pay the $100 fine set by the statute. Municipalities would be responsible for collecting the fines, according to the recommendations. Read More... New Pot Rules in Mass. May Allow Having Hashish Posted by CN Staff on December 29, 2008 at 13:06:12 PT By Glen Johnson, AP Political Writer Source: Associated Press Boston, MA -- Massachusetts police may no longer be able to arrest people for having a small amount of hashish, because a new law that decriminalizes possessing up to an ounce of marijuana applies to other drugs with the same psychoactive ingredient, according to guidelines obtained Monday by The Associated Press. The guidelines, from the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, say possession of an ounce or less of THC — the primary psychoactive ingredient in marijuana, hashish or hash oil — may now be decriminalized as well. Read More... 
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