Posts Tagged ‘Marijuana Reform’
Lack of Green in Boston’s Spring
Amanda James
Published: Daily Free Press April 8, 2009
As citizens of Boston anticipate Spring’s budding, marijuana law reformers in Massachusetts are also waiting to see more green around this city, even after Question 2 decriminalized marijuana in November.
On March 31, supporters of marijuana law reform gathered to protest the bill that Senator Brown filed on January 6, 2009 that if enacted would punish the possessor of any amount of marijuana in the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle with a minimum fine of $1000.00 and a loss of driving privileges for 90 days, even if they are not under the influence.
Twenty activists were far from blazing, as they huddled in the snowy streets of Columbus Avenue, carrying signs that read, “Respect 65%,” and passed out fliers with Senator Brown’s picture superimposed with an image of Mussolini.
The bill was filed at the request of Police Chief Terry Cunningham of Wellesley, said Maria Vurmo, Senator Brown’s Communications Director who directs all calls about the legislation to the Chief of Police.
“I think the bill disregards the voice of the people 100%,” said Michael Crawford, who is a member on the Board of Directors of the Massachusetts Cannabis Reform Coalition.
“He filed these reports because he had a sponsor,” said Steven Epstein, who founded the Massachusetts Cannabis Reform Coalition in 1989. “Senator Brown didn’t expect any sort of response to the bill and now he is embarrassed.”
Senator Brown walked past the protest and did not respond to reporters, said Crawford.
Crawford does not think the bill has much chance of actually passing. The reason for the protest was to react to Senator Brown’s lack of reaction to the 65% of voters, who, on November 4th, supported Question 2. The new law decriminalized up to an ounce of marijuana, making it a civil penalty with a fine of $100.
Everybody Must Get Stoned- Bob Dylan mp3
