Welcome to our weekly column in which a topic of interest, piece of news, relevant opinion, or general request for feedback is presented. We’ll offer the topic du jour and accompanying question, and you have the opportunity to respond with your thoughts.
Simply fill out the form below. A collection of each week’s responses will appear in the following week’s column. To view responses on our previous topics click here.
Publisher reserves the right to edit responses for clarity and publish online and/or in our print publications.
Please let us know your thoughts!
This week’s Feedback Friday topic is:
Pot Stops by Cops
On July 1st, marijuana will be recreationally legal to possess in Maryland, after voters passed the referendum during the last election. This we know. But did you know that last month, Maryland legislators passed H.B. 1071, which will bar police from treating the smell of marijuana as sufficient grounds for stopping or searching pedestrians or cars (also as of July 1st)?
Yes, it’s true. Despite the widespread objection from law enforcement ranks, who routinely have used the olfactory offense to stop, search, and arrest citizens, the bill passed the legislature with 101–36 vote in the House and a 27–20 vote in the Senate. Governor Moore did not sign the bill, however, signaling his wish to remain in the good graces of the police community.
Nevertheless, pot’s legality and use will become almost synonymous with the likes of alcohol and tobacco. We can expect a fair amount of use on the road and impaired drivers (which is still illegal), among other public acts of responsibility during which critical thinking is probably preferred to a head in the clouds.
Did you know about this new law? Do you approve or not? Should cops be allowed to use the smell of marijuana to stop and search citizens, especially drivers?
Please share your thoughts by filling out this form. Today’s responses—and all future Feedback Friday responses—will be published in our Monday newsletters after the weekend. AND, several responses from recent topics will appear in our upcoming print magazines!
