SB 364: Lessens The Criminal Penalty

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On April 14, 2014 our former Governor Martin O’Malley signed the SB 364 into legislation, which reduces the criminal penalties for possessing marijuana, along with twin bills that will provide qualifying patients with safe access to medical marijuana, thus decriminalizing marijuana. Prior to the SB 364 getting passed into law, if one possessed less than 10 grams of marijuana the punishment would be a fine up to $500 and or up to 90 days in jail. The new law now lessens the criminal penalties to a civil fine of up to $100 and no jail time. Additionally, a second offense is punishable by a fine of up to $250. For a third offense the retribution is a fine up to $500, a requirement to attend a drug education program and a referral to an assessment