Decriminalizing of marijuana-what's it mean? (California: high school, living, law)

[B.K.]

Now I don't have a dog in this fight: I gave up smoking pot after Jerry Garcia died (true story).
But what exactly does "decriminalization" mean here in MD?
Does it mean if you are found by law enforcement with less than 10 grams, then you suffer no penalty for its possession? Why such a seemingly arbitrary number- a quarter ounce is about 7 grams? Does it mean that you are okay as long as you have a "prescription" for it, ala California and some other states? Does it mean that if you give a urine/blood sample after being stopped for a suspected DUI/DWI and are positive for THC, that you can't be prosecuted?
On related notes: what about employers? Where will this "decriminalized" weed come from? Who is going to supply it? Can you grow your own? Who is going to vend this stuff? Will there be licensed "dispensaries"? Are those hoppers who hang out around intown liquor stores schlepping the little spice bottles of "'urple" safe from prosecution? Are the penalties for selling/giving pot away affected?
Who in the hell is charged with figuring all of this stuff out?
I've seen/heard precious little definitive coverage of this issue in any of the local media outlets.
Frankly, if it were up to me pot would be regulated as we regulate alcohol usage-legal to use, except where it could be proven in individual circumstances that it contributed to gross misbehavior while driving, operating machinery, supplying it to minors (Hah! If you never smoked weed before you were 21, then raise your hand as you leave the room, you must have gone to a different high school!), violence (unlikely as that seems), etc.
I usually don't step out on issues that don't concern me. But after more than a fair bit of experimentation with various and sundry substances, I can say that marijuana is certainly the mildest intoxicant I've yet to encounter anywhere. The idea that so much time, energy and money are spent on going after those who grow, sell, and smoke pot, and to prosecute and lock them up, while keeping south of the border cartels living like fat rats and killing people, while the largest lobbyists against legalization are Big Pharma-who can't figure out a way to make money out of marijuana for themselves (and their paid lackeys in all State and Federal Congresses)-works me up a bit.

[North Beach Person]

Basically the decriminalization means that you won't be arrested for possessing that amount but you will get a citation which carries a $100 fine for a 1st offense, rising to $500 and drug counseling for a 3rd offense.

You can still be arrested for possessing paraphernalia.

Medical marijuana in MD is still having roll out pains.

[mpheels]

I will also still be illegal to drive under the influence (just as possession of alcohol is legal, but driving under the influence of alcohol is not).

[B.K.]

Thanks, but still some unanswered questions.
As to driving, unlike alcohol, which metabolizes pretty quickly, THC can still show up on tox screens a month plus after usage. We all know that the effects of marijuana dissipate within hours after ingestion. How will it be determined whether an individual is under the influence when stopped by the 5-0?
Again, who is in charge of determining what's what?
And again, where will the weed come from, and what's up with sale, growing, distribution for medical and or recreational purposes?

[designer_genes]

The weed will still come from (mostly, unless you got it in colorado or some other place where recreational usage is legal) illegal sources. It will still be illegal to grow it and supply it for recreational use.

[North Beach Person]

Originally Posted by B.K.

Thanks, but still some unanswered questions.
As to driving, unlike alcohol, which metabolizes pretty quickly, THC can still show up on tox screens a month plus after usage. We all know that the effects of marijuana dissipate within hours after ingestion. How will it be determined whether an individual is under the influence when stopped by the 5-0?
Again, who is in charge of determining what's what?
And again, where will the weed come from, and what's up with sale, growing, distribution for medical and or recreational purposes?

You're confused (too much smoke?). This isn't Colorado. Marijuana is still illegal to possess, it's just that the penalties for possession of small amounts have been lightened.

Medical marijuana is currently tightly controlled in medical trial stage.

The penalties for driving while impaired haven't changed nor have workplace sanctions. Whatever happens now if you test dirty will still happen.

Again, it's not been legalized.