Decriminalizing of Weed, in effect this Friday

BOSTON — A voter-approved law to decriminalize possession of small amounts of marijuana goes into effect Friday, despite protests from law enforcement officials that they need more time and guidance from the state.

The Executive Office of Public Safety and Security issued guidelines on the new law Monday, less than two months after 65 percent of voters approved the measure in a statewide referendum.

On Friday, the law will make possession of one ounce or less of marijuana a civil offense, subject to a $100 fine like a traffic ticket. Offenders under 18 will be required to take a drug awareness program, or pay a $1,000 fine.

Possession of small amounts of marijuana has been a criminal offense in Massachusetts, punishable by a $500 fine and up to six months in jail.

Public Safety Secretary Kevin Burke said the guidelines answer many questions that have been raised by police and prosecutors in the past eight weeks.

"It's going to go into effect Jan. 2, no matter what," Mr. Burke said. "I think these guidelines alleviate many of the concerns expressed by various stakeholders who would have some enforcement or review of the law."

A sampling of the guidelines: Police departments still can discipline their own officers for possession and use of marijuana; small amounts of marijuana will no longer be sent to the crime labs for testing; and police can still conduct searches and vehicle stops of individuals if there is probable cause. Full article here.