Received by email:
Sometime this fall, the Joint Committee on Mental Health and Substance Abuse
of the Massachusetts General Court will hold a hearing on a bill to create a
civil penalty system for the simple possession of marijuana. A bill
sponsored by Sen. Patricia Jehlen (D-Second Middlesex), S.1121, would change
the penalty for possession of an ounce or less of marijuana from up to six
months in jail and a $500 fine to a fine of $250. To help this issue move
forward, it's important that supporters present a compelling case at the
hearing. Legislators and the public need to hear from people who were once
arrested for marijuana possession about how that arrest has affected their
lives.
Please e-mail Karen@mpp.org if you think your story could add to the
momentum to change Massachusetts' marijuana penalties. If you haven't ever
been arrested for a small amount of marijuana, but you know a Massachusetts
resident who has been, please encourage him or her to e-mail Karen@mpp.org .
And, whether or not you've been arrested for marijuana, if you think your
perspective could be key to the discussion, please e-mail Karen@mpp.org .
For example, current or former law enforcement officials and clergy could
contribute greatly to the dialogue.