ITG

State Considers Decriminalizing Possession Of Small Amounts Of Pot
03/24/09 | Hartford Courant | Jon Lender

Removing criminal penalties for possession of less than an ounce of marijuana could save the state more than $11 million in law enforcement costs, according to a new legislative report cited by a state Senate leader trying to rally support for his decriminalization bill.

Senate Majority Leader Martin Looney, D- New Haven, submitted testimony today to the legislature's Judiciary Committee on a measure that would decriminalize possession of less than an ounce of marijuana by changing the violation from a misdemeanor punishable by a maximum $1,000 fine and 1-year in jail to an infraction subject to a fine of up to $121.

Looney said the bill "represents a compassionate and pragmatic policy. Our state should not encourage illegal drug use; however, possession of marijuana for personal use should not leave a person with a life-long criminal record."

The bill would cut costs for police, courts, public defenders and prosecutors, he said.

The judiciary panel has until April 3 to decide whether to move the bill forward for further action, but Looney's wasn't the only view.

"It seems surreal that the same General Assembly that legislatively addresses quality of life and health issues, like trans-fat and second hand smoke, would ever consider a bill that decriminalizes a substance which has such noxious effects," said Sen. Toni Boucher, R-Wilton. "Marijuana is a gateway for other drugs."

The legislature's Office of Fiscal Analysis said the 9,928 marijuana arrests in Connecticut in 2007 represented 7 percent of total arrests statewide, and estimated 3,300 of those involved less than an ounce.

"Based on a proportionate analysis" of money spent to handle those cases, the report said, "it is estimated that the proposal could save up to $11 million and generate $320,000 ... from fines annually."

Looney said Massachusetts residents last year voted by a 65-35 margin to decriminalize possessing the same quantity of marijuana.

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It matters not how strait the gate, How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate; I am the captain of my soul.

Buzzby

Legalization/decriminalization seems to be on a roll! Now is not the time to sit back and wait for someone else to do the job for us. We all need to get behind this and keep the momentum going.

National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML)

Marijuana Policy Project (MPP)

Drug Policy Alliance (DPA)

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the goober

Boucher seemed so moderate when she ran for office in my town. Who knew her PR guy could hide her inner Anslinger?

SleepyJohn

It seems strange, everybody doing good, for all the bad reasons. Oh well, at least something is being done about it. The More the merrier. Empty the jails of non harmful people. Medicate the suffering throng. Ease up on calling pot a narcotic. Just taking care of myself,and others.

reggie_the_dog

then CA proposes outright legalization
then RI proposes decrim of an ounce
then CT proposes decrim of an onuce
MI just approved medical cannabis
Illinois has a good chance of doing the same this year

holy shit!

Victor_vicious

Do not forget New Jersey, Ohio and Minnesota. Medical Bills have been introduced in those states as well. VV