Quote Originally Posted by Thepossumdance
lol its all relative though dont fuckin go around thinking that most cops are "cool" about it...

just because NORML says u can have a small amount on u and not go to jail doesnt mean that the cops wont think ur small amount is a large amount if the night is going kinda slow for them...

its fuckin illegal thats where it ends... cops can and will bring u in for it

lol its treated like a traffic ticket? i dont know what NORML thinks they're pulling but thats a load of horseshit...
Well, it IS just like a traffic ticket in some states like California depending on the circumstances (i.e. you have some nugget on you with a bowl and don't have a scale with you). Other states have different laws where it is significantly more illegal and may net you jail time.

Decriminalization simply means that they lessen the magnitude of a crime. It could mean they simply eliminate it as a crime (which no states have done except for perhaps Alaska when it's inside your house) or they just reduce the penalty slightly.

Every state that enacts these laws can and most likely will do it differently then another.

New York it's considered a fine the first three times, afterward however there is Jail time associated with it.

California, it's strictly a fine for simple possession.

Alaska, it's a fine and I believe under four ounces in one's own home is perfectly legal.

These laws are superseded (over ruled) by federal laws, though in most cases federal authorities do not prosecute simple possession cases.

Check the NORML site for laws in your area, as not all states are the same. Hope this helps a bit.