On November 4, 2008, the voters passed Ballot Question 2, “An Act Establishing a Sensible State Marihuana Policy”, commonly known as Question 2. The new law became effective on January 2, 2009. A full copy of this law can be found at the Mass. Executive Office of Public Safety and Security website, under the section entitled: “2008 Statewide Ballot Initiative Question 2: ‘An Act Establishing a Sensible State Marihuana Policy.’"
The penalty for a youth under 18 who receives a citation for possessing under an ounce of marijuana is completion of a Drug Awareness Program: at least four hours of a drug awareness classroom instruction, ten hours of community service, and a $100 fine. IHR’s Question 2 Project specialist provides state-wide coordination of the Drug Awareness Classroom instruction.
Classroom instruction sessions of the drug awareness programs will be scheduled periodically throughout the state based on demand. A youth who receives a citation under this law must register for classroom instruction under the drug awareness program by calling the Institute for Health and Recovery (IHR) at (617) 661-3991, or toll free at (866) 705-2807 and ask to speak with the Question 2 Project Specialist. Youth will be asked to provide a current address and telephone number, and will be contacted by IHR when a classroom instruction placement becomes available.
The following is a list of available classes:
| 9/18/2010: Framingham, Metro West |
| 11/6/2010: Pittsfield, Western Region |
If you would like to be enrolled in a class, please call the Youth Drug Awareness Program referral line at the Institute for Health and Recovery: toll free, (866) 705-2807, or locally, (617) 661-3991.