Maine: Patsy Crockett

AUGUSTA, Maine — The Maine Drug Enforcement Agency and Chiefs of Police Association are opposing a bill to modify possession limits and fines for marijuana possession.

The Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee held a hearing Wednesday on Rep. Patsy Crockett’s bill. The Augusta Democrat says her bill would streamline and clarify the marijuana laws.

The bill would make possession of up to four ounces of marijuana a civil violation. Possession of up to 1 1/4 ounce would remain punishable by a $350 fine. For possession of 1 1/4 to four ounces, the fine would be $700, with higher fines for second and subsequent offenses.

The Maine Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers supported the bill, saying it increases fines while recognizing that possession of up to four ounces should be a civil offense and not a crime.