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What a coincidence:

Maryland Senate gives preliminary OK to marijuana decriminalization proposal

The Maryland Senate gave preliminary approval on Wednesday to a bill that would decriminalize marijuana.

After adopting several amendments to the bill, the Senate sent Bill 364 to a final vote. The bill, introduced by Sens. Bobby Zirkin, D-Baltimore County, and Allan Kittleman, R-Howard, would decriminalize pot by making possession of up to 10 grams a civil offense, punishable by up to a $100 fine.

A final vote is expected in the Senate as early as Thursday. The Senate passed a similar bill last year, but the legislation died at its next stop in the House Judiciary Committee.

The Senate adopted several amendments proposed by Sen. Christopher Shank, R-Washington.

One amendment requires anyone caught with marijuana three or more times to appear in court, and a judge would be allowed to order treatment. But there still would not be criminal charges for possessing 10 grams or less.

Another amendment the Senate accepted would send the proceeds from the civil fine mandated by the bill to the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene for the purpose of funding drug treatment and education programs.

Under the bill, the civil fine for possession of less than 10 grams of marijuana would be no more than $25 for the first offense, and no more than $100 for the second and subsequent offenses.