Signed by Governor Martin O'Malley

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that reduces penalties for marijuana possession, effective October 1, 2014.

Highlights:

• Reduces the penalty for a first offense of possession of less than 10 grams of marijuana to a fine of $100 from a maximum prison sentence of 90 days, a fine up to $500, or both (Sec. 1).

• Classifies the possession of less than 10 grams of marijuana as a civil offense punishable by the following fines (Sec. 1):
• A maximum fine of $250 for a second offense; and
• A maximum fine of $500 and for a third or subsequent offense.

• Requires an individual less than 21 years of age who violates a provision of this bill or an individual older than 21 who commits a third or subsequent offense to perform the following actions (Sec. 1):
• Attend a drug education program approved by the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene;
• Perform an assessment for substance abuse disorder; and
• Enter substance abuse treatment, if deemed necessary by the court.  

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that reduces penalties for marijuana possession, effective October 1, 2014.

Highlights:

• Reduces the penalty for a first or second offense of possession of less than 10 grams of marijuana to a fine of $100 from a maximum prison sentence of 90 days, a fine up to $500, or both (Sec. 1).

• Classifies the possession of less than 10 grams of marijuana as a civil offense (Sec. 1).

• Requires a court to hold a trial for an individual convicted of a third or subsequent offense of possession of less than 10 grams of marijuana (Sec. 1).

• Authorizes a court to require an individual convicted of the third or subsequent offense of possession of less than 10 grams of marijuana to attend a drug treatment and educational program approved by the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (Sec. 1).

Full Bill Text