The Kings are a non-political organization mainly concerned with winning hockey games and drinking beers (not always in that order), but when the occasion arises, the Kings have to take a stand for what is right.  Today we stand together for a more compassionate approach to those caught with small amounts of marijuana in Massachusetts. 

So get out there and vote for the imperfect candidates of your choice, but vote YES on #2!

Under current Massachusetts law, people arrested for simple possession of any amount of marijuana can face up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $500.

In addition, if a person is arrested for marijuana possession, regardless of the amount, a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) report is generated — a black mark on his or her record that lingers long after the minor offense and jeopardizes the person’s ability to obtain jobs, housing, and school loans. There are about 2.8 million CORI records on file — in a state with a population of six million!

By passing Question 2, we can put an end to these unjust and costly policies.

What would Massachusetts’ marijuana decriminalization initiative do?

• Amend the current criminal statutes so that adults possessing an ounce or less of marijuana for personal use would receive a simple $100 fine.
• Remove the threat of a CORI report for minor marijuana possession charges.
• Maintain current penalties for selling, growing, and trafficking marijuana, as well as the prohibition against driving under the influence of marijuana.
• Save Massachusetts approximately $29.5 million per year in law enforcement resources that are currently wasted on low-level marijuana possession arrests, according to a 2008 report by Harvard economist Jeffrey Miron.

Victory! Massachusetts passes first marijuana decriminalization ballot initiative in U.S. history!

It’s official! The Boston Globe has called the Question 2 race.

Massachusetts residents have passed Question 2 into law, marking the first time such a measure has been passed at the ballot box. (All 11 states with similar laws passed theirs through the legislature.) This is a victory of historic proportions.

Thanks to the common sense and pragmatism of Massachusetts voters, the penalty for simple possession of an ounce or less of marijuana will, after implementation, be reduced to a $100 fine, similar to a speeding ticket. The new law also ends the creation of 7,500 criminal records every year in Massachusetts, which result in the denial of school loans, housing, and employment. It will save Massachusetts taxpayers at least $30 million annually and allow law enforcement to focus its resources on serious and violent crime.

This victory would not have been possible without the hard work of our volunteers and the generosity of our donors. We’d like to express our profound gratitude to all of you.

Posted on November 4th, 2008 at 11:09 pm.