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Marijuana decriminalization up for vote

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On Thursday, April 21 the New Hampshire Senate will vote on a marijuana decriminalization bill from the House, HB 1631.

The bill reduces the penalty for possession of 1/2 ounce or less of marijuana to a violation.

Meanwhile the House is considering SB 498, a Senate bill that would allow – but not require – the justice system to charge first time offenders with a violation instead of misdemeanor for marijuana possession.

The House and Senate may convene a conference committee to draft a compromise bill related to marijuana penalties.

This year’s debate over marijuana decriminalization is colored by the epidemic of opioid addiction in New Hampshire.  Opponents of lighter marijuana penalties argue that decriminalization sends the wrong message about the seriousness of drug addiction.

“New Hampshire is investing a lot of time and money in the current drug crisis,” wrote Rep. John Martin.  “To that end, we are hearing many bills that deal with expanding the availability of substances with the potential for abuse or addiction. It sends the wrong message to try to reduce one abused substance by offering substitutes. It would be counter-productive to increase the prevalence or facilitate the ease of acquiring any unsafe substance at this time.”

On the other hand, supporters of lighter marijuana penalties argue that law enforcement resources should be focused on more serious drugs, such as heroin.

“[It] is time to stop making citizens who possesses a small amount of marijuana criminals, and instead treat marijuana as a public health matter. … This bill does not endorse the use of marijuana, nor ignore the problems that can be associated with its use. Instead, it suggests that limited law enforcement and court resources should be applied more wisely and in accordance with public opinion,” wrote Rep. Renny Cushing. 

Do you support the House or Senate bills to decrease marijuana penalties?  Let us know in the comments.

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