[eliptik]

The state has decriminalized possession of small amounts of marijuana. Last week, the Senate narrowly approved the legislation that supporters call a common sense reform to the judicial system. Today, it passed the House.
Gov. Dannel P. Malloy supports the measure, which would eliminate the misdemeanor offense from possession of less than a half-ounce of marijuana. It would instead result in a $150 fine for a first offense and a fine ranging from $200 to $500 for subsequent offenses.
“Let me make it clear - we are not legalizing the use of marijuana. In modifying this law, we are recognizing that the punishment should fit the crime, and acknowledging the effects of its application,” Malloy said in a statement. “There is no question that the state’s criminal justice resources could be more effectively utilized for convicting, incarcerating and supervising violent and more serious offenders.”
Those younger than 21 would face a 60-day driver's license suspension, similar to the existing penalty for possessing alcohol.
Opponents say marijuana is a harmful drug and that the law should keep it beyond reach.

Marijuana Decriminalization Bill Passes | NBC Connecticut

[IDASpaceman]

If they were smart...they would start a cash-crop and ease their financial woes. Silly politicians.

[Stylo]

Opponents say marijuana is a harmful drug and that the law should keep it beyond reach.

Alcohol's worse.

[adamz]

A surprisingly sensible move for this state.

[MikefromCT]

Originally Posted by adamz

A surprisingly sensible move for this state.

Agreed. Now if we can do away with those dumbass blue laws we'll be all set. I guess this means I won't have to drive around Blue Hills Ave anymore to get my weed - for medicinal purposes, people!

[JViello]

You know I'm not against the premise, but the fact that this got railroaded through like everthing else without 10 seconds of reflective thought is the problem.

So we have a known narcotic being basically legalized, but with no regulation in place like there is for alcohol. Great, thanks Dannel. Retard. (Oops, sorry. I mean even though you were classified as mentally retarded as a child, it was just a mistake. No, really.)

[Cambium]

What?! Really? 1st offense is a $150 fine?

I never done, grew or sold drugs in my life but if thats the punishment for getting caught...... I need more potting soil. Cant you make that fine with just 1 leaf? LOL

[hartford_renter]

It will save money - in court costs - so I am for it.

[adamz]

Originally Posted by JViello

You know I'm not against the premise, but the fact that this got railroaded through like everthing else without 10 seconds of reflective thought is the problem.

So we have a known narcotic being basically legalized, but with no regulation in place like there is for alcohol. Great, thanks Dannel. Retard. (Oops, sorry. I mean even though you were classified as mentally retarded as a child, it was just a mistake. No, really.)

Although I think marijuana should be handled exactly like alcohol- taxed and available to adults at licensed stores- I don't think it would be possible to do so, because marijuana is illegal at the federal level. I think the decriminalization approach is about the best that can be done, because it remains illegal.

And, marijuana is not a "narcotic" it's a hallucinogen, albeit a mild one.

[JViello]

Originally Posted by adamz

And, marijuana is not a "narcotic" it's a hallucinogen, albeit a mild one.

I suppose we can split hairs but I disagree.

narcotic [nɑːˈkɒtɪk]
n
1. (Medicine / Pharmacology) any of a group of drugs, such as heroin, morphine, and pethidine, that produce numbness and stupor. They are used medicinally to relieve pain but are sometimes also taken for their pleasant effects; prolonged use may cause addiction
2. anything that relieves pain or induces sleep, mental numbness, etc.
3. any illegal drug
adj
1. (Medicine / Pharmacology) of, relating to, or designating narcotics
2. of or relating to narcotics addicts or users
3. (Medicine) of or relating to narcosis