Vermont may ease pot laws

Always a step in the right direction, good for vermont :thumbsup:

Marijuana Decriminalization Debate Takes Floor At Vt. Statehouse - News Story - WPTZ Plattsburgh

MONTPELIER, Vt. -- About 100 people turned out for a public hearing at the Vermont Statehouse Wednesday on the issue of marijuana decriminalization.

The proposed bill would make the possesion or sale of 4 ounces or less of marijuana a civil violation rather than a criminal one in the state of Vermont.

Sen. Hilda Miller, of Burlington, drafted the bill. She said she was pleased with the turnout and said the issue is one Vermonters need to discuss.

Other supporters of the bill see the advantages to decriminalization. Fred Chase, of Stowe, said if the sale of marijuana is regulated, the state can regulate and tax it, thereby controlling it.

Some supporters said drug offenses can burden the legal system. But State's Attorney T.J. Donovan said that's not a problem in Chittenden County. Donovan is an opponent of the bill.

Tom Kelley, the Washington County State's Attorney, said the bill sends the wrong message: that marijuana use isn't bad.

A drug counselor and opponent of the bill, Debby Haskins, said marijuana is a drug that can affect everything from driving to personal relationships.

The public hearing was the first step in a long legislative process, but people on both sides of the issue said they're happy to be having the discussion.

"A drug counselor and opponent of the bill, Debby Haskins, said marijuana is a drug that can affect everything from driving to personal relationships."

Who's about to lose job security? Since almost all prescribed pharmaceutical drugs can affect driving, why don't we outlaw all of them? What a ignorant beeyotch.