The Governor of Maryland signed a law that will prevent state officials from interpreting the legal and responsible use by parents and guardians of marijuana as “neglect” of children.
Gov. Wes Moore, (D), has given final approval to legislation submitted by Sen. Jill Carter and del. Nicole Williams (D), on Tuesday.
The law will go into effect on July 1st, which is when the legalization laws of the state come into force. Retail sales may also begin then. Moore, who signed the bill earlier this month , was a legislator after voters approved a referendum on legalization at last year’s ballot.
The legislature has passed legislation to protect parents and guardians who are involved in the market.
The legislation that the governor has signed adds language to the statutes stating, “Childhood neglect does not include cannabis use by any parent or person who has permanent or temporarily care or custody of or responsibility for the supervision of an child.” With certain exceptions.
Caretakers could be held liable for neglect if the child’s welfare or health is damaged or placed at risk as a result parental marijuana use.
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In a similar vein, last year the Governor of California signed a law that mandates that social workers called to investigate child protection should handle parental marijuana use the same as they would alcohol.
A study published in 2013 found that legalizing cannabis is associated with a 10% decrease in foster care admissions in average. This includes reductions in placements because of physical abuse, negligence, parental imprisonment, and misuse alcohol and other drugs.
Beginning in July, Maryland adults aged 21 and over will be allowed to possess up to 1,5 ounces (or two plants) of marijuana for personal use. In the near future, regulators are expected to start licensing cannabis businesses.
Maryland legislators also approved a separate measure that prohibits police from relying solely on the smell or possession of marijuana as the basis for a search. However, the governor has not taken any action yet.
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Photo by Chris Wallis // Side Pocket Images.
The first time Marijuana Moment published the post Maryland Governor signss bill protecting parents who lawfully use marijuana from child ‘neglect penalties.
