Pardon the short diary -- just wanted to let you all know that Massachusetts voters have seen the light and voted in favor of Question 2, which eliminates criminal penalties for possession of an ounce or less of marijuana.
This from RawStory.com
The new law, which will take effect in 30 days, calls for a $100 fine and confiscation of the substance for those caught with an ounce or less with no reporting against a person's criminal record. Those under 18 caught with cannabis will pay a larger fine, up to $1,000, and participate in a drug awareness program and perform community service.
Governor Deval Patrick and the criminal justice honchos were against it, painting pictures of widespread abuse and - get this - increased violence (Huh?? Violence against innocent bags of Doritos maybe...), but the fine upstanding stoners of the Bay State know better.
"The people were ahead of the politicians on this issue," said Whitney Taylor, chairwoman of the Committee for Sensible Marijuana Policy. "They want to focus our limited law enforcement resources on serious and violent crimes. They recognize under the new law that the punishment will fit the offense."