Md. Marijuana Law to Change Oct. 1

Md.- Maryland's marijuana law is about to undergo some changes. Effective Oct.1, a small portion of marijuana will be decriminalized.

Maryland legislators passed a bill, during the last legislative session, that decriminalizes 10 grams or less of marijuana. Gov. Martin O'Malley signed the bill into law, which takes effect next week.

Barbara Lewis of Salisbury is not pleased about it.

"I don't approve of it, I don't like it,” Lewis said. “I don't think it should be decriminalized."

Lewis said she has never tried it, but good things do not come to mind when she thinks about it.

"I think it would have a lot of negative side effects when driving; It's just like drinking,” she said. “It causes too many problems that you can't concentrate; you can't focus."

Marijuana, in the amount of 10 grams or less, will no longer be considered a criminal offense. It will become a civil offense with fines of up to $100 for a first offense, $250 for a second violation and $500 for a third offense.

Anyone under the age of 21, but older than 18, will have to face a judge and could possibly be ordered to participate in a drug treatment program.

Angela Losiewski of Salisbury is not a pot smoker, but supports the law and people who use a little bit of marijuana.

 "For the people that just smoke a little bit of pot every now and then, I don't see anything wrong with it," Losiewski said.

Derell Johnson of Salisbury supports the new law as well.

"If you can drink liquor, it should be okay to smoke weed," Johnson said.

Again, the law takes effect Oct. 1 in Maryland.

VIA: WBOC 16