Rutland Herald, 22 Mar 2012 – I was disappointed to read recently that legislation to decriminalize marijuana was "stalled" in the House. Legalization and regulation of marijuana would be the most reasonable approach to this public policy issue, but decriminalization would have been a step in the right direction. The proposed legislation was well thought out and would have encouraged youthful offenders (under 21 years old) in the possession of one ounce or less of marijuana to choose an educational / community service piece, offered in every county through court diversion, in lieu of a fine. Repeat youthful offenders would face increasing fines and possibly the loss of their driver’s license for a specified period of time. A person 21 years of age or older would simply face a fine, which would increase for repeat civil offenses.
posted on March 24, 2012 by
