Massachusetts drug law hazy, police say

BOSTON, Dec. 25 (UPI) -- A law decriminalizing small amounts of marijuana in Massachusetts has raised a host of enforcement issues, Lawrence, Mass., Police Chief John Romero said.

"I think there are a lot more questions than answers right now," Romero told The Boston Globe. "I don't think anybody knows how this is going to play out."

Unanswered questions include what police should do if those caught with less than an ounce of marijuana refused to give a name, who will create a drug-awareness program for youthful offenders and the role of drug-testing laboratories, the Globe reported Thursday.

One outstanding question is what officers should do if a fellow officer lights up a joint, David Capeless, president of the Massachusetts District Attorneys Association said.

"I'm not suggesting that officers are doing it," he said. "But what you're doing, whether it's officers or other public employees -- transportation workers, bus drivers, teachers -- you're removing a disincentive by saying: 'We won't be able to do anything to you. You won't get disciplined for this," he said.

"It won't mean your job. It may mean a $100 fine," he said.

The law takes effect Jan. 2, the Globe said.