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Maine bill seeks changes in pot law

By "Radical" Russ Belville on February 27, 2009

AUGUSTA — The Maine Drug Enforcement Agency and Chiefs of Police Association are opposing a bill to modify possession limits and fines for marijuana possession. The Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee held a hearing Wednesday on Rep. Patsy Crockett’s bill. The Augusta Democrat said her bill would streamline and clarify marijuana laws.

The bill would make possession of up to 4 ounces of marijuana a civil violation.

Possession of up to 1¼ ounce would remain punishable by a $350 fine. For possession of 1¼ to 4 ounces, the fine would be $700, with higher fines for second and subsequent offenses.

The Maine Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers supported the bill, saying it increases fines while recognizing that possession of up to 4 ounces should be a civil offense and not a crime.

via Maine bill seeks changes in pot law – Bangor Daily News.

Maine is already one of the thirteen decriminalized states, where possession of 1¼ ounce is just a civil fine, no arrest or criminal record.  But beyond 1¼ ounce, possession is considered a rebuttable presumption of your intent to sell marijuana.  This bill would double the fine if you’re caught with 1¼ to 4 ounces, but still not treat you like a criminal.

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I am the producer of The NORML Network, the host of the NORML SHOW LIVE and The NORML Stash Blog, and NORML's Outreach Coordinator. I'm married, live in Portland, Oregon, and I am a registered medical marijuana caregiver in this state. I've worked days as an IT geek and nights as a professional musician. Previously, I have been the host of my own political talk radio show on satellite radio. I've been the High Times "Freedom Fighter of the Month" and I travel across the country to educate people on marijuana reform. I've dedicated my life to bringing an end to adult marijuana prohibition and re-legalizing cannabis hemp, and I'm honored to be chosen by NORML to give voice to the Marijuana Nation and to speak for those who can't speak up.

2 responses to “Maine bill seeks changes in pot law”

  1. Brian Kerr
    Brian Kerr
    February 27, 2009 at 1:28 pm |

    Another step in the right direction.

    I think when we talk about legalizing cannabis we should emphasize first, that ending prohibition will save lives and keep families together and as a bonus, money will be saved and the new source of tax revenue will help keep and fund government programs.

  2. Unicorn
    Unicorn
    February 27, 2009 at 11:02 am |

    I wrote to our Governor (in Maine) to ask him to consider taxing and regulating mj to help fund the subsidized(sp?) health insurance program we have here. Never heard a reply.

    I think they’d make more money off a taxed and regulated market than those high fees. I can’t see the average person in Maine being able to pay $700 fine considering most people don’t make enough to live, as the cost of living to income ratio is not favorable here, even in higher paying type jobs.

    But still, it’s better than jail. And may even help potential legalization bills if they up it to 4 oz, you may as well legalize it at that point.

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