Massachusetts…voted for Obama
BOSTON (AP) — After Massachusetts voted to decriminalize possession of small amounts of marijuana, top law enforcement officials are scrambling to figure out what they need to do to put the law into effect – despite their efforts to defeat it at the polls.
Attorney General Martha Coakley, who joined all 11 of the state’s district attorneys in opposing the ballot question, said Wednesday she was working to determine exactly what it will require the legal system to do.
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Once the new law takes effect, those caught with an ounce or less of pot will face a civil offense punishable by a $100 fine. They will also have to forfeit the marijuana. Anyone under 18 will also have to give up the drug, but will face a stiffer, $1,000 fine unless they complete a drug awareness program.