End Police Stops and Searches Based on Alleged Smell of Marijuana
Act Now
The police stopping and searching you based on something that cannot be categorically proven – the smell of marijuana – is outdated. It is routinely used to infringe on individuals’ right to privacy, which allows the police to justify racial profiling. In Maryland, police stop Black drivers more frequently than any other race, and probable cause to search is used to justify 60 percent of searches. This is unacceptable.
Demand that legislators pass legislation to reduce unnecessary police interactions and adequately end the criminalization of marijuana as we move towards legalization. Further, demand that this legislation include the exclusionary rule for illegally obtained evidence so that police are deterred from conducting unlawful stops and searches based on the odor of marijuana.
Let’s ensure that police cannot use the smell of now legal marijuana to conduct an investigatory stop or perform a warrantless search of your vehicle. Tell your legislators to vote “Yes” on SB 51 and HB 1071.
Message recipients:
Maryland State Senators