Maine lawmakers have formally introduced a bill to broadly decriminalize possession of all currently illicit drugs—the latest state-based move to comprehensively address ending the drug war. Rep. Anne Perry (D) is the lead sponsor of the legislation, which would make possession of a controlled substance a civil penalty punishable by a $100 fine without the threat of jail time. If a person is unable to pay the fine, it could be waived if they underwent a health assessment which could involve a referral to substance misuse treatment. Additionally, the proposal stipulates that people who seek out medical assistance for the anti-overdose medication naloxone, either on their own behalf or for another person, could not be subject to arrest or prosecution.
Kyle Jaeger, Marijuana Moment, 04/08/2021 08:50:00