Maryland Could Become the First State to Allow Cannabis behind the Wheel

A year ago the Maryland Senate vetoed Bill 517, which banned smoking marijuana in public or driving under its influence. The proposal also barred users from carrying related objects, like bongs or cigarette rolling devices, but now the lawmakers are discussing lifting the veto and rescinding some of these limitations.

If consumers agree to allow cannabis smoking while or before driving, Maryland would become the first US state to take such a decision. Most of the regions legally classify marijuana along with alcohol, and frown upon its consumption. Opponents of the decision believe that the police will not be able to act against users. Meanwhile, those who are in favour have not made it entirely clear how the law would be implemented if consumption behind the wheel were actually permitted.

The decision sees Democrats and Republicans squaring off. The debate is now confined to the General Assembly, and they will have to wait until February 5 for the Senate to make the final vote. However, they have already come out with their position in relation to the transport of cannabis-related objects, which would no longer constitute a criminal offense, although fines might still be imposed for this act, or for smoking marijuana in public.

This would mark a major step forward, as just a couple of years the legislators established that the possession of small amounts of marijuana could lead to fines, being considered a serious offence. However, they were unable to decriminalise this kind of paraphernalia. The state could also take in tax revenues derived from online hotel bookings for rooms in which the consumption of cannabis is permitted.

Senator Robert A. Zirkin explained that this debate represents amends for what was done previously. Many people believe that with decisions like this one the state will be able to look towards the future rather than dwelling on the past.