My state just decriminalized pot

[ZEGH8578]

hurray!

["couldbecousin"]

hurray!

 Yay ZEGH, are you going to move to Connecticut now? 

[Osensitive1]

Always thought this never works out because state law can't override federal law.

[Parts]

Always thought this never works out because state law can't override federal law.

It has more to do with the punishment than the legality.  The federal government lets the states determine the punishments it is indeed still illegal.

[Osensitive1]

Always thought this never works out because state law can't override federal law.

It has more to do with the punishment than the legality.  The federal government lets the states determine the punishments it is indeed still illegal.

Makes sense. Thanks.

[normal_impaired]

They decriminalized it here in Massachusetts about 2 years ago, $100 fine for up to an ounce.  Problem is it doesn't really change anything unless you're on your own property, with no paraphernalia.  If you're not on your or someone else's private property (with them knowing) then you're "possessing in public".  If you have any paraphernalia, that's been used (a bowl with some resin, or a pack of papers that's not still sealed up from the store) then they can get you with public intoxication since there's no way to test on the spot for being stoned (thanks to visine and careful acting) it's considered acceptable for a cop to just assume you're stoned if you have any evidence of smoking before.

Then if you have it in your car, they can get you for trafficking, if you have a bowl with some resin in your glove box, instant DUI exactly the same as being pulled over with a beer in your hand.

Then there's the other issue of that the decriminalizing and subsequent fine for small amounts is a state level thing, but local municipalities can still add their own bylaws.  For example, in Massachusetts the state law says that up to one ounce with no paraphernalia or other evidence of recent consumption is a $100 fine and forfeiture of your bag.  The thing is that the majority of towns in this state have enacted their own bylaws with their own fines, Framingham for example has a $350 fine added to your state mandated $100 fine so suddenly you're getting fined $450 for a $30 eighth.

Some of the towns even have other stipulations as well such as not being allowed to purchase property in that town after being caught in that town, etc.

Then remember the school zones where this decriminalization doesn't apply, if you're pulled over within 2000 feet of a school and the cop smells your bag, you're being arrested just like before this law went into effect.

It's nice to see the state pretending to be compassionate, but really all their looking for is income from fines.  Even if you play by most of the rules, a cop is still gonna think of anything he can do to arrest you, so it really doesn't change anything other than having a fine to pay that's due before you can come up with the money you owe to whoever bailed you out.

[midlifeaspie]

PROTIP:  Paraphernalia is for pussies.  Don't risk it kids, and only smoke joints.

[normal_impaired]

PROTIP:  Paraphernalia is for pussies.  Don't risk it kids, and only smoke joints.

If they find a bag on you, then papers and a lighter are still considered paraphernalia, even if you also have a bag of tobacco as well.

The point is, it's impossible to consume cannabis without some form of paraphernalia, so that's where they get you, the only way you can benefit from this law is simply having a bag and no (obvious to the cop) way to smoke it.

[midlifeaspie]

PROTIP:  Paraphernalia is for pussies.  Don't risk it kids, and only smoke joints.

If they find a bag on you, then papers and a lighter are still considered paraphernalia, even if you also have a bag of tobacco as well.

The point is, it's impossible to consume cannabis without some form of paraphernalia, so that's where they get you, the only way you can benefit from this law is simply having a bag and no (obvious to the cop) way to smoke it.

I used to only carry rolled joints, and then only one if I was going somewhere to smoke it.  Better yet is to smoke it at home and then go out with nothing on you at all.  If an ounce is decriminalized, would they consider the paper that is around a rolled joint to be paraphernalia?  That seems unreasonable.

[normal_impaired]

PROTIP:  Paraphernalia is for pussies.  Don't risk it kids, and only smoke joints.

If they find a bag on you, then papers and a lighter are still considered paraphernalia, even if you also have a bag of tobacco as well.

The point is, it's impossible to consume cannabis without some form of paraphernalia, so that's where they get you, the only way you can benefit from this law is simply having a bag and no (obvious to the cop) way to smoke it.

I used to only carry rolled joints, and then only one if I was going somewhere to smoke it.  Better yet is to smoke it at home and then go out with nothing on you at all.  If an ounce is decriminalized, would they consider the paper that is around a rolled joint to be paraphernalia?  That seems unreasonable.

A pack of papers, or even a paper pulled from the pack but not used is still paraphernalia, like I said, there has to be no (obvious) way to smoke it.  In some areas a clever cop might even be able to consider an empty soda can located near the bag to be "intended paraphernalia".  The point is the laws are based on what you can be convicted of, a cop can arrest you for pretty much any charge he can think up.

[Parts]

My town will be one of the ones with the creative ways of busting you. They have been on a kick of pulling people over within 1500 feet of a school then charging then with the having drugs in a school zone even though they waited for them to drive by one.  The end of my street is one of their favorite places to do this They love talking about the spirit of the law when it works in their favor but completely ignore it when it doesn't.

[normal_impaired]

Don't you love it too how they'll pull you over after you pass the school entrance and get you for possession in a school zone even though it's obvious you have no intention of actually going near the school itself.

[Scrapheap]

It's about damn time.

I with they would do the same thing here in Cali.

[midlifeaspie]

It's about damn time.

I with they would do the same thing here in Cali.

They tried.  The people voted against it, just like gay marriage.

[Scrapheap]

It's about damn time.

I with they would do the same thing here in Cali.

They tried.  The people voted against it, just like gay marriage.

And in both cases, the public support was originally for it, then outside money and influence came in to defeat it.