Issues Drug Policy

Drug Policy
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Should Marijuana Use Ruin Someone's Life?

Getting arrested for marijuana possession doesn't just mean the risk of jail time. In Massachusetts, the 7,500 people who are arrested for marijuana possession every year also face a host of other serious penalties that are designed to prevent them from leading normal and productive lives:

Loss of driver's license;
Loss of student financial aid;
Suspension of license to practice law or medicine; and
Placement in a permanent database of offenders that employers, landlords, and schools can search and use to preclude offenders from getting jobs, housing, and school loans.

All for simple marijuana possession.

But on November 4, Massachusetts voters will vote on a landmark initiative that would end these arrests and barrage of penalties, replacing them with a simple ticket and $100 fine, which could be paid through the mail without lawyers or court appearances, just like a speeding ticket.

Would you please consider donating $10 or more to this campaign today?

Here's a comparison of Massachusetts' current marijuana law and what the law would become if voters pass the initiative this November:

Penalties for possession of one ounce or less of marijuana	Current MA Law	Under Initiative

Arrested for marijuana possession?	YES	NO
Possibility of jail for marijuana possession?	YES	NO
Suspension of driver’s license First offense? Second offense?	1 YEAR 3 YEARS	NO NO
Permanent arrest record?	YES	NO
Lose student financial aid?	YES	NO
Suspend professional license?	YES	NO
Bar from adopting children?	YES	NO
Bar from serving as a foster parent?	YES	NO
Lose public housing?	YES	NO
Lose or be prevented from obtaining employment?	YES	NO
Lose unemployment benefits?	YES	NO
Lifetime ban on possession of a firearm?	YES	NO

MPP has been working closely with the Massachusetts campaign operation, the Committee for Sensible Marijuana Policy (CSMP), to pass this initiative, and CSMP could really use the help of supporters like you during this landmark battle.

This is the first time in history that an initiative to decriminalize marijuana possession will appear on any statewide ballot.

Submitted by Rob Kampia,

Executive Director Marijuana Policy Project

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If you would like to contribute to this campaign, use this link: donate $10 or more today.

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