Vermont Legislature Approves Decriminalizing Marijuana In Small Amounts

Vermont is one step away from becoming the 17th state to pass legislation to relax restrictions on the possession of marijuana.

The state's legislature approved a bill to decriminalize the possession of small amounts of marijuana on Monday, and Vermont Gov. Peter Shumlin is expected to sign the bill into law in the coming weeks.

If passed, the law would decriminalize possession of up to one ounce of marijuana and also small quantities of hashish. Adults caught with larger quantities will receive a minor penalty, similar to a traffic ticket, while those under age 21 caught with pot would be required to undergo substance abuse screening.

"I applaud the legislature's action to decriminalize the possession of small amounts of marijuana," said Vermont Gov. Peter Shumlin. "Vermonters support sensible drug policies. This legislation allows our courts and law enforcement to focus their limited resources more effectively to fight highly addictive opiates such as heroin and prescription drugs that are tearing apart families and communities."

The measure was introduced in February by state Rep. Christopher Pearson who recieved 38 co-sponsors from the Democratic, Republican and Progressive parties.

Last month, a Pew Research Center opinion poll indicated that 52 percent of Americans think marijuana should be legalized. This is the first time in more than four decades that a majority of Americans stand in favor of legalizing pot.

Back in November, Colorado and Washington became the first states to legalize possession, cultivation and use of marijuana by adults for recreational use. In other states, including California, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, Nebraska, New York, and Rhode Island, private, non-medical possession of marijuana is treated as a civil, non-criminal offense.