A Maryland state delegate who's running for governor rallied with marijuana reform advocates outside the State House in Annapolis Thursday.
Del. Heather Mizeur, a Montgomery County Democrat, is the lead sponsor of a bill that would make pot possession a civil offense, punishable by a $100 fine instead of arrest. Offenders under age 21 would receive drug education.
Mizeur is also sponsoring a marijuana legalization bill.
Other Democrats running for governor, including Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown and Attorney General Doug Gansler, have aso expressed support for decriminalizing marijuana.
Speakers from several nonprofit groups joined lawmakers who support marijuana reforms before the House Judiciary Committee heard testimony on both bills Thursday afternoon.
The Maryland Senate is expected to vote on a bill decriminalizing marijuana Friday. It's expected to face a tougher fight in the House of Delegates.