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MARYLAND ISSUES
Hogan Veto of Marijuana-Related Bill Defied Logic
Hogan’s decision to veto a bill that would have decriminalized the possession of marijuana paraphernalia defied logic and common sense. The bill was aimed at bringing the law surrounding marijuana paraphernalia—such as pipes and rolling papers—in line with the marijuana decriminalization bill that was enacted last year. The legislation this year would have eliminated the criminal penalties for a person caught with marijuana-related paraphernalia as well as for smoking marijuana in a public place. Under current Maryland law, a person caught with marijuana paraphernalia faces a misdemeanor charge and a fine up to $500 the first time and up to two years imprisonment the second time. Regulating and taxing marijuana would create a new taxpaying industry, allow law enforcement to use resources on more serious crimes and put drug dealers and organized crime gangs out of the pot business. https://bethesdamagazine.com/Bethesda-Beat/2015/Hogan-Veto-of-Marijuana-Related-Bill-Defies-Logic-State-Senator-Says/