New Report Finds: Decriminalizing Marijuana Possession Would Save Massachusetts $24 Million in Annual Law Enforcement Costs
Posted in 350,000 Massachusetts Voters to be asked opinion on November 5
October 23, Massachusetts - A new report released today concludes that the decriminalization of marijuana possession in Massachusetts would save the Commonwealth an estimated $24.3 million in annual law enforcement costs. The report, entitled “The Effect of Marijuana Decriminalization on the Budgets of Massachusetts Governments, with a Discussion of Decriminalization’s Effect on Marijuana Use,” also finds there is no indication that decriminalization leads to a measurable increase in marijuana use.
Decriminalization of marijuana possession would result in a change in punishment. Possession would no longer be a criminal offense, but instead become a civil offense, punishable only by a fine. Decriminalization would not change the criminal status of driving under the influence, trafficking, distribution or sale, possession with the intent to distribute, or selling or distributing to minors.
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