Marijuana Decriminalization (H 7092Aaa, S 2253Aaa)

On June 13, Governor Chafee signed into law monumental legislation decriminalizing the possession of one ounce or less of marijuana, and imposing civil penalties instead of criminal charges against individuals in possession.

On June 13, Governor Chafee signed into law monumental legislation decriminalizing the possession of one ounce or less of marijuana, and imposing civil penalties instead of criminal charges against individuals in possession. This legislation is large step forward in rectifying the problems with the “war on drugs”, recognizing that criminal prosecution and potential jail time are inappropriate and failing responses to the possession of small amounts of marijuana.