Baltimore State's Attorney Ends Prosecution of Marijuana Possession

BALTIMORE — In a significant policy shift, the Baltimore State’s Attorney’s Office has announced that it will no longer prosecute cases involving the possession of marijuana, regardless of the quantity. This decision was revealed by State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby during a press conference on Tuesday.

“It’s a new day in Baltimore, and I believe this is the time that we make real that we seek justice over convictions,” Mosby stated, emphasizing the need to rectify past injustices and position Baltimore as a frontrunner in public safety reform.

Under the new policy, individuals arrested for simple marijuana possession will be released without charges. Additionally, prosecution for possession with intent to distribute will only occur if there is substantial evidence, such as packaging materials or eyewitness accounts of drug sales. First-time offenders for drug distribution will be directed to the Aim to B’more diversion program, which focuses on rehabilitation rather than incarceration.

Despite this announcement, the Baltimore City Police Department indicated they would continue to enforce marijuana possession laws until legislative changes are made. The police department reiterated their commitment to making arrests for illegal possession, highlighting a disconnect between law enforcement and the State’s Attorney’s Office.

Historically, the enforcement of marijuana laws has disproportionately affected Baltimore’s minority communities. Mosby cited data from the American Civil Liberties Union showing that in 2010, 58% of marijuana possession arrests in Maryland involved Black individuals, who represented only 30% of the state’s population. Even after decriminalization in 2014, disparities persisted, with Black individuals receiving the majority of civil citations for possession.

In response to these disparities, Mosby’s office is taking steps to vacate thousands of past marijuana possession convictions and is advocating for legislative changes that would empower prosecutors to dismiss these cases in the interest of justice.

During her remarks, Mosby argued that resources spent on prosecuting marijuana offenses could be better allocated to addressing violent crime, which continues to plague the city. She noted that the focus on marijuana possession detracts from solving serious crimes, such as homicides, which have seen low clearance rates in recent years.

“There is no public safety value in prosecuting marijuana possession,” Mosby asserted, urging a reevaluation of law enforcement priorities in Baltimore.

Reported by HarborBeat based on WMAR 2 News Baltimore (source).