Will pot bill go up in smoke in Maryland state?

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Will pot bill go up in smoke in Maryland state?

20 March 2013

The Maryland Senate voted to decriminalize possession of small amounts of marijuana on 19th March. But supporters are far from taking the bill’s passage for granted.

Lawmakers say the bill, which would remove the threat of jail time for people caught with less than 10 grams of marijuana, likely won’t receive a warm welcome at its next stop: the House Judiciary Committee.

The Senate voted 30-16 to pass Senate Bill 297. The measure, introduced by Sen. Bobby Zirkin, D-Baltimore County, would make the possession of less than 10 grams of marijuana a civil offense punishable by a fine of up to $100.

House Speaker Michael E. Busch, D-Annapolis, said the House feels more comfortable this year with House Bill 1101, which would create a commission to oversee a medical marijuana program at academic medical centers.

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