[420 Girl]

After supporters of a plan to decriminalize marijuana cried foul over their opponents’ fundraising tactics yesterday, a powerful group of law enforcement officials and religious leaders stood before the State House and denounced the proposal as “dangerous” and “insulting.”

Question 2, if passed, would reduce possession of up to an ounce of marijuana to a civil offense punishable by a small fine, rather than an arrest that straps simple offenders with criminal records and — according to backers of the plan — crowds prisons.

According to the Committee for Sensible Marijuana Policy, the Massachusetts District Attorney Association and its team of Question 2 opponents raised funds for their campaign before official recognition by the Office of Campaign and Political Finance.

CSMP campaign manager Whitney Taylor said such actions make yesterday’s show of force a nonfactor and called remarks by opponents “scare tactics.”

“I’m surprised in the first place that they broke the law,” said Taylor, who has filed complaints.

Among those opposed to the initiative are all 11 of Massachusetts’ district attorneys, Gov. Deval Patrick and Boston Mayor Thomas Menino. Those on the front line, however, were there to deliver their shots at the proposal.

“To see all the young black boys I’ve had to bury ... because of drug-related violence,” said Rev. William Dickerson of the Greater Love Tabernacle in Dorchester. “Show me how marijuana can improve someone’s judgement, how it can bring families together, how it can curb the violence that plagues our society. I’d like to see it.”

Suffolk County DA Daniel Conley and Middlesex County DA Gerry Leone both detailed recent cases involving marijuana-related crimes and pinned marijuana as a gateway drug that can lead offenders to more serious crimes.

Taylor said there is no link between marijuana use and criminal activity, except under the current law itself.

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