Saturday, the Maryland House of Delegates passed legislation decriminalizing small quantities of marijuana.
“Today’s passage of marijuana decriminalization in the House is a huge first step towards slowing down and ultimately ending our state’s failed war on drugs. We snatched victory from the jaws of defeat because we understood the urgency behind the need to act this year. Our marijuana prohibition laws have been a failure and are ruining people’s lives. I urge Governor O’Malley to follow the will of the people and sign this legislation into law.
This is what it looks like when our representatives vote with the courage of their convictions instead of standing in line behind the status quo. Today we were able to set aside politics in Annapolis and pass a meaningful bill that will actually improve the lives of Marylanders.”
Mizeur introduced and sponsored the original House version of the legislation with more than 40 bipartisan cosponsors. On Thursday, the House Judiciary Committee reported an amended version of the bill to the floor, making the bill a two-year task force study. Along with a handful of her colleagues, Mizeur organized the effort to return the legislation back into a bill to decriminalize possession of a small amount of marijuana.
Over the past several days Mizeur’s campaign sent out several requests to its supporters—both on social media and over email—to call their delegates to urge passage of marijuana decriminalization.
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JenniferHealy says
I am so angry and sad that our representatives see the passing of this law as a victory. If fact, you are failing us all– present and future generations. It is NOT the marijuana prohibition laws that have failed and ruined peoples lives. It is the person him/herself who ruins their life when they make the WRONG CHOICE to partake of any substance which will harm them and all of the rest of us. This goes for pot, alcohol, cigarettes, LSD, etc. Pick your poison! Ask Sam Cross’s family about the hurt and devastation they now live with because of the choices that were made on that June night almost a year ago. A choice that most likely began with the use of pot at the very beginning.
I guess I am still naive enough to believe that laws are made to help protect us from ourselves and others who do make wrong choices. Laws hold us accountable. A slap on the wrist in the form of fines is not the solution. It only tells the offender that he/she ‘got away with it’ again! A ‘slap on the wrist’ WILL NOT bring Sam Cross back! And it won’t ease the hurt and loss that his loved ones are left with…..WAKE UP PEOPLE! This is not the way to go! You are burying your head in the sand if you think it is the answer.
Sister Sandy says
Great letter Jen! I agree with you 100%… our legislators should be passing a bill that tests students for drug usage and mandates drug treatment for underage users. Education against bad choices is Key to preventing life long addictions. I think there is going to be a big reality check for the next generation that has to deal with the consequences of these laws that are legalizing/decriminalizing drug usage. Another step down for society. Sister Sandy
Pete Buxtun says
I disagree with both of you. Not only does prohibition not work, it is in fact counter-productive. Sister Sandy, you say that education is best but you advocate mandatory drug testing? I hope you have deep pockets! I think it is the prerogative of the parents and society to educate our young people as to how to live responsibly. You can drink alcohol, smoke pot or cigarettes and still be a responsible person. I would be perfectly comfortable saying that neither of you know much about marijuana or addiction. While I applaud your bravery in sharing your (decidedly unpopular and unscientific) opinions on this forum, I hope you are aware that they are in fact, only opinions.
Sister Sandy, I think the “reality check” will come sooner than you think. I’m hopeful that the “next” generation sees the advantages of not putting young people in prison for possession of a relatively harmless herb.
Jennifer Healy says
In the first place, I do doubt that people can be responsible when they are being self destructive by ingesting alcohol, cigarettes or pot. While initially we may think we are ‘getting away with something’, eventually we ALL pay the price. I have personally experienced what alcohol does. Its no fun cleaning up after a drunk! I have watched my mother gasp for breath for two years, then slowly die of lung cancer because she chose to smoke. Not to mention the surgeries and the chemo/ radiation that we as a family had to endure. It was very difficult to bury her under these circumstances at the young age of 62. I have also seen a child born with serious learning disabilities because the parents chose to smoke pot.
And I do know full well about marijuana and addiction. I am a registered nurse who has studied this subject deeply. But the subject of Addiction is also personal one. I was considered an addict for many years because the of my prescribed treatment for intractable pain. I spent 9 months in an addictions hospital with many other ‘addicts’ and saw first hand the destructive powers of your ‘harmless drugs of choice’ in many different people from many different walks of life. You say you think that parents and society should educate our young people as to how to live responsibly. By accepting this law we are telling our kids they don’t have to be accountable.
Pete Buxtun says
It seems that we disagree again. I don’t think that by passing a law forbidding an activity you show that people suddenly are accountable for their actions. It is the duty of parents, society, and peers to teach young people the consequences of their actions. Drinking alcohol is legal; driving while drunk is not. They law (if not our societal pressures here on the shore) forbids the risky and potentially harmful behavior, it does not forbid the substance.
You rail against the use of all of these substances but you are confused. Your complaints are about addiction, not about substance use. Abuse of alcohol and drugs is ALWAYS bad, that’s why it’s called abuse. Using marijuana or drinking while pregnant is abusing a substance. Drinking or using marijuana at work is (usually forbidden by workplace policies) unwise and risky behavior. Drinking or using marijuana while driving is illegal and stupid. I think most people would agree with the above statements, but I hope you realize you are on the losing side by arguing that using a substance like alcohol or marijuana is inherently bad.
I have also NEVER witnessed the “destructive powers” of marijuana (which is what this conversation SHOULD be about, not the “harmless drugs of choice”. You seem to try to imply that I am for the use of all drugs, which I am not. I’m simply against the ones which are proven to actually BE harmful, unlike yourself who seems to be against all substances).