Metaboston

Will Marijuana Be Decriminalized This Fall in Massachusetts?

An initiative sponsored by the Committee for Sensible Marijuana Policy will appear on the November ballot.

"A marijuana decriminalization initiative has qualified for November's ballot in Massachusetts. The initiative would make possession of up to an ounce, currently a misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in jail and a $500 fine, a civil offense with a maximum penalty of a $100 fine. Pot smokers could not be arrested or jailed, and they would not have criminal records, which trigger ancillary penalties that can be far more onerous than the official punishment. NORML reports that a recent poll found supporters of the initiative outnumber opponents by 2 to 1."

Inside the Boston Barack Obama rally

Inside the Boston Barack Obama rally. 

Thousands of people stood in long lines.

"[S]upporters stood in a line that extended nearly a mile, from the World Trade Center entrance to the Fort Point Channel."

And endured the delayed starts typical of candidate rallies. 

"Although the doors opened at 8:00 p.m., the rally did not gear up until 10:20 p.m. Thousands of supporters who could not fit into the convention hall floor watched outside on closed circuit television. Many parents brought their children to witness this historic campaign event."