Press Release: Mizeur Says Decriminalization First Step in Ending “Failed War on Drugs”

Del. Heather Mizeur

Saturday, the Maryland House of Delegates passed legislation decriminalizing small quantities of marijuana.

“Today’s passage of marijuana decriminalization in the House is a huge first step towards slowing down and ultimately ending our state’s failed war on drugs. We snatched victory from the jaws of defeat because we understood the urgency behind the need to act this year. Our marijuana prohibition laws have been a failure and are ruining people’s lives. I urge Governor O’Malley to follow the will of the people and sign this legislation into law.

This is what it looks like when our representatives vote with the courage of their convictions instead of standing in line behind the status quo. Today we were able to set aside politics in Annapolis and pass a meaningful bill that will actually improve the lives of Marylanders.”

Mizeur introduced and sponsored the original House version of the legislation with more than 40 bipartisan cosponsors. On Thursday, the House Judiciary Committee reported an amended version of the bill to the floor, making the bill a two-year task force study. Along with a handful of her colleagues, Mizeur organized the effort to return the legislation back into a bill to decriminalize possession of a small amount of marijuana.

Over the past several days Mizeur’s campaign sent out several requests to its supporters—both on social media and over email—to call their delegates to urge passage of marijuana decriminalization.