Senate Bill 297 would decriminalize the possession of up to 10 grams of cannabis in Maryland.

On the same day a measure to legalize cannabis was scheduled for a hearing in the House Judiciary Committee, Maryland’s Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee approved Senate Bill 297 to decriminalize the possession of up to 10 grams of cannabis.

The bill now moves to a full Senate vote, where its passage would send it to the House, then governor. If it becomes law, possessing up to 10 grams in the state would change from a misdemeanor, to a simple $100 ticket.

As-mentioned, lawmakers today also scheduled a hearing for a measure recently introduced that would legalize cannabis, House Bill 1453, which will be heard on Tuesday, March 19.

If passed, the measure would legalize the purchase and possession of up to an ounce of dried cannabis, up to 5 grams of concentrated products like hash and oil, 16 ounces of cannabis-infused products like medicated brownies, and 72 ounces of cannabis-infused liquids like lotions or medicated sodas. In addition, adults in the state would be able to grow up to 3 plants legally, and it would direct the state to license cannabis retail outlets.

Residents in Maryland should absolutely look up and contact their elected officials, asking them to support both of these measures.

You can find a list of some good reasons to legalize cannabis, with sources, if you click here.

– TheJointBlog