Bill HR 350 would reduce the penalty for possession of marijuana. This bill was introduced by Delegate Luke Clippinger and Senator Jamie Raskin. The current penalty is up to one year in prison and/or a $1,000 fine. HR 350, if passed, would of reduced the penalty for possession of 10 grams to 90 days in prison and a $500 fine. What passed is a reduction in the penalty for possession of 14 grams or less from 12 months to 90 days in prison. The new law takes effect on October 1st, 2012.
Senator Brian Frosh introduced Bill 422. Originally meant to deflate the estimated $28 million it would cost the state to provide legal representation to every person accused at their initial court appearance; Bill 422 allows for police to give out citations instead of making arrests. What passed is a bill which allows police to give out citations for those in possession of any amount of marijuana. The bill goes into effect Jan. 2, 2013.
Last year a bill was passed that gave medical patients affirmative defense for possession of marijuana/paraphernalia as long as it was not used in the public. Bill SB995/HB15 would allow for that same defense for caregivers of patients. It would also allow for certain patients to have access to medical marijuana. Unfortunately, this bill did not pass and will not become law.