'Compromise' Bill Approved, Legalizing Some Paraphernalia
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) -- A bill to decriminalize drug paraphernalia is headed back to the House chamber after getting support from the Senate.
On Friday, senators voted 44-3 in favor of the amended bill, which legalizes drug paraphernalia involving the use or possession of small amounts of marijuana.
Supporters of the measure called it a "compromise" bill because while it decriminalized paraphernalia and upped the amount -- 10 grams to 20 grams -- for possession, it also makes it a criminal offense and punishable by a $500 fine, to smoke in public or in a car.
Maryland decriminalized small amounts of marijuana possession during last year's session.
Just because the bill decriminalizes paraphernalia, explained Sen. Robert Zirkin, D-Baltimore County, doesn't mean lawmakers want to see people smoking in parks or behind the wheel.
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