Monday Map: Marijuana Laws Across the U.S.

by Matt Kelley · 2008-10-20 05:50:00 UTC
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Twelve states in the U.S. have decriminalized the possession of marijuana use, and Massachusetts could become the 13th on Nov. 4. A ballot initiative in Mass. would decriminalize the possession of less than an ounce of pot - instead of the current punishment of up to six months in jail and a $500 fine, the state would levy just a $100 fine and the offense wouldn't go on the person's criminal record. This is a logical step, and I hope other states are noticing that decriminalization can save money (this law is expected to save Massachusetts up to $30 million a year in law enforcement expense), while keeping the use of the drug about the same. A recent poll showed that 51 percent of voters support the initiative, with 41 percent against and 9 percent undecided. Get involved in the Massachusetts campaign here.

Today's map comes from the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, and includes state-by-state data on decriminalization, medical marijuana laws, mandatory minimums and more. Click here to learn about your state. I'll be posting a new map every Monday representing a different criminal justice issue. Have ideas for next week's map? Let me know (matt [at] change.org).

Matt Kelley is the Online Communications Manager at the Innocence Project and a graduate of the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University. Follow him on Twitter @mattjkelley.
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