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Can you give me some information on the new Massachusetts marijuana law and explain whether the thing is actually being enforced. My friend told me that they don't have any way to enforce the fine so there is no need to comply. Is that true? I also heard that most towns are just ignoring the thing and only enforcing other laws related to pot.

New MA pot law

Apparently, there are several issues with the new marijuana law.  (Follow that link for an explanation of the law.) Police officers have complained that the new law does not require those caught with small amounts of pot to identify themselves, making it difficult to even issue the citation in the first place.  And, as you suggest, unlike with other civil citations, such as a speeding ticket, there are apparently no repercussions for those who refuse to pay the fine.  If cities and towns wish to press the matter, they must take offenders to small claims court.  I would be interested in hearing about the experiences of any police officers who have tried to enforce the law, or of those who have been ticketed.

And, yes, I have also read that many towns and cities are not attempting to enforce the law, but many others are.  However, there are other laws on the books related to the use of marijuana that are being enforced, such as prohibitions against public use. 

 

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