I'm not a pot smoker though I did inhale (a LOT !!) in high school and beyond. Nowadays I prefer to get stupid with a scotch on the rocks or a cold beer. That being said, it's "high" time that lawmakers begin to realize the idiocy of lengthy jail terms for simple marijuana possession. I'm not advocating wholesale pot distribution, in fact, I think it should be treated exactly like alcohol, sold in the same stores, taxed and subject to quality controls but...this is a step in the right direction when it comes to recognizing the evils of weed vs. say meth or crack.
After a lengthy debate, the state House of Representatives gave final legislative approval to a bill that decriminalizes the possession of small amounts of marijuana.
The vote was 90 to 57 in favor and came after a spirited discussion that stretched on for nearly five hours.
The bill now goes to Gov. Dannel P. Malloy, who immediately hailed its passage and pledged to sign it when it reaches his desk.
“Final approval of this legislation accepts the reality that the current law does more harm than good — both in the impact it has on people’s lives and the burden it places on police, prosecutors and probation officers of the criminal justice system,” Malloy said in a statement emailed to reporters moments after the vote was tallied.
“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. 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,” Malloy said.
Read more in the Hartford Courant
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