Vermont law decriminalizes marijuana

12:40 PM, June 7, 2013



Vermont became the 17th state to eliminate criminal penalties for the possession of small amounts of marijuana. / AFP/Getty Images

USA TODAY

Vermont has become the 17th state to get rid of criminal penalties for the possession of small amounts of marijuana.
Gov. Peter Shumlin signed a measure into law Thursday.
The law replaces criminal penalties with civil fines similar to a traffic ticket for possession of up to an ounce of marijuana or five grams of hashish.
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The law also treats possession of such amounts of marijuana by people under age 21 the same as underage possession of alcohol, including referral to court diversion for a first offense, potential civil penalties and/or license suspension, and criminal penalties for a third violation.
Previously, possession of up to 2 ounces of marijuana was punishable by a six- to 24-month jail term. Vermont legalized the use of medical marijuana in 2004.
　
　
http://www.freep.com/article/20130607/NEWS07/306070077/marijuana-illegal-vermont