Possession of less than an ounce of marijuana would no longer be a criminal offense under a bill that won the backing of a legislative committee yesterday. The bill, approved by the Mental Health and Substance Abuse Committee on a 6-1 vote, would make possession of a small amount of marijuana a civil offense punishable by a $250 fine.
In cases involving those 18 years old or younger, parents would be notified. Possession of less than an ounce of marijuana is now considered a criminal offense, punishable by up to six months in jail and a $500 fine for the first offense.
An excellent step.
