[420 Girl]

Town Clerk Eileen McCracken’s job duties have expanded.

She is now the collector of marijuana possession fees. “It’s like a parking fee,” one selectman noted at a recent meeting.

“We’ve had violations already,” McCracken said. “I have four citations on record so far, but nobody has stepped forward to pay them yet.” The fine must be paid within a certain timeframe. After that, McCracken notifies the Hingham Police Department.

During the November election, Hingham voters voted “yes” to decriminalizing marijuana use, 8,101 to 5,150.

This change, effective Jan. 1, 2009, replaced the criminal penalties for possession of one ounce or less of marijuana with a new system of civil penalties.

This is enforced by the police issuing citations for possession and excludes information regarding this civil offense from the state’s criminal record information system (CORI).

Offenders age 18 or older would be subject to forfeiture of the marijuana plus a civil penalty of $100.

Those under the age of 18 caught with an ounce or less would be subject to the same forfeiture, and, if they successfully complete a drug awareness program within one year of the offense, the same $100 penalty.

Offenders who do not complete the drug awareness program within one year could also be required to pay a higher penalty – as much as $1,000.

The new law allows local ordinances or bylaws prohibiting the public use of marijuana and would not affect existing laws, practices, or policies concerning operating a motor vehicle or taking other actions while under the influence, unlawful possession of prescription forms of marijuana, or selling, manufacturing, or trafficking in marijuana.

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