Politics & Government

House to Debate Marijuana Decriminalization

After the senate approved a bill that would decriminalize marijuana by the slimmest of margins late last week, the bill now moves on to the state House of Representatives for a second vote.

Marijuana charges could soon be a thing of the past, with possession of a small amount leading to just a ticket with fines of $150 for first offense and $200 to $500 for subsequent offenses.

The measure passed the state senate last week by the slimmest of measures as Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman broke an 18-18 vote reported the Hartford Courant in a detailed article last week. The measure has been heavily supported by Gov. Dannel Malloy, who said in a press release that the "punishment should fit the crime" and also said the measure would alleviate unnecessary costs to the state Department of Correction.

In discussions over the last decade, however, there have been many opponents to the bill including the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association. The association has argued that it opens up doors to other problems including potential increases in DUI cases.


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