Are you one of the thousands of Massachusetts residents who have been branded with a criminal conviction for possessing a substance less harmful than alcohol — marijuana? Do you think your state shouldn't be jailing its citizens for possessing a natural substance that a U.S. president and a Supreme Court justice have used? 

If so, you can help thousands of others by getting involved: Please write Karen O'Keefe at Karen@mpp.org.

Sometime this fall, the Joint Committee on Mental Health and Substance Abuse of the Massachusetts General Court will hold a hearing on a bill to create a civil penalty system for the simple possession of marijuana. A bill sponsored by Sen. Patricia Jehlen (D-Second Middlesex), S.1121, would change the penalty for possession of an ounce or less of marijuana from up to six months in jail and a $500 fine to a fine of $250. To help this issue move forward, it's important that supporters present a compelling case at the hearing. Legislators and the public need to hear from people who were once arrested for marijuana possession about how that arrest has affected their lives.

Please e-mail Karen@mpp.org if you think your story could add to the momentum to change Massachusetts' marijuana penalties. If you haven't ever been arrested for a small amount of marijuana, but you know a Massachusetts resident who has been, please encourage him or her to e-mail Karen@mpp.org. And, whether or not you've been arrested for marijuana, if you think your perspective could be key to the discussion, please e-mail Karen@mpp.org. For example, current or former law enforcement officials and clergy could contribute greatly to the dialogue.

Twelve states have stopped jailing people for low-level marijuana possession. It is time for Massachusetts to follow suit.

Thank you for supporting the Marijuana Policy Project. Please pass this on to anyone you know who could add an important perspective to marijuana policy reform in Massachusetts.