Allegra Abramson
Llama Ledger

Massachusetts voters passed a ballot initiative yesterday decriminalizing the possession of small amounts of marijuana. Being caught with less than an ounce of the drug will now result in a fine of $100.

The initiative will maintain current penalties in place for growing, selling and/or trafficking marijuana, as well as "the prohibition" against driving under the influence of the drug, according to The Committee for Sensible Marijuana Policy's official website.

The proposition will become law 30 days after it is reported to the Governor's Council, which ordinarily meets in late November. The legislature can amend or repeal the law, as it has with other laws in the past.

According to The Boston Globe, the proposition will require people under the age of 18 to complete a "drug awareness program" and community service. People who fail to complete this program can have fines increased to up to $1,000.

The Boston Globe reported the pass by a margin of 65-35 percent.

Great Barrington, specifically, voted 69-31 in favor of decriminalizing marijuana.

According to The Committee's website, this vote marks the first marijuana decriminalization law passed by voter initiative in history.

Voters in Massachusetts also decided against abolishing the income tax and voted for abolishing dog racing.