Harford Sheriff: Baltimore Pot Declaration 'Has No Impact Here'

HARFORD COUNTY, MD — Harford County Sheriff Jeffrey Gahler says that the county will keep making arrests for marijuana. He issued a statement on the matter on Thursday, Jan. 31, two days after Baltimore City State's Attorney Marilyn Mosby declared Baltimore would stop prosecuting cases of marijuana possession.

"I have had many inquiries concerning the announcement this week by the Baltimore City State’s Attorney regarding how this might impact our local enforcement of these laws," Gahler said.

"I wanted to be sure the citizens of Harford County understand, this latest disappointing action of the City State’s Attorney has no impact here," he stated.

RELATED: Baltimore Not Prosecuting Marijuana Possession Charges, Says Mosby

"We will continue to enforce the State’s laws in regards to marijuana possession – because that is what we are sworn to do," Gahler said.

Maryland decriminalized the use of less than 10 grams of marijuana in 2014, making it a civil offense punishable by a fine. Larger amounts are subject to criminal charges.

"Deputies take an oath to enforce the laws that govern our communities and keep our citizens safe. After discussions with our new Harford County State’s Attorney Albert Peisinger, I am confident in our united front to enforce and uphold the law," Gahler said.

"In our county, we work together to ensure that when people commit crimes, they are held accountable," Gahler said. "Only if and when the state of Maryland, through our constitutionally established legislative process, changes the law, will we change course."

Photo of Harford County Sheriff Jeffrey Gahler courtesy of the Harford County Sheriff's Office.