Editorial staff
MIT Tech

Question 2

This question would replace existing criminal penalties for possession of less than one ounce of marijuana with civil penalties of $100.

Currently, offenders face up to six months in prison, a $500 fine, and a permanent criminal record. It is estimated that $29.5 million per year is spent on enforcement of the law on low level arrests for possession, not to mention the time and money spent by the state on the court system and subsequent jail time for convicted offenders. This ballot initiative would mandate penalties in addition to the $100 fine for minors caught with marijuana, including mandatory participation in a drug awareness program, parental notification, and 10 hours of community service.

A 1993 study in The Social Sciences Journal found that there is no evidence decriminalization of marijuana affects its frequency of use. Additionally, multiple studies have found that rates of other drug use among emergency room patients are significantly higher in states that have criminal penalties for possession of small amounts of marijuana, indicating criminalization of marijuana encourages use of more dangerous drugs.

Massachusetts jails are filled with low level drug offenders whose only crime was possession of marijuana, often lumped in with more serious criminals such as sex offenders and murderers. Additionally, those convicted of possession will have the charges listed permanently on their criminal record, an injustice that serves as an impediment to getting a job, a loan, or a house for the rest of their lives.

Even if you stand opposed to use of marijuana, decriminalization makes sense.