Decriminalization of Possessing Small Amounts of Pot Welcomed

Decriminalizing possession of small amounts of marijuana in Connecticut is a welcome step, says ACLU-CT Executive Director Andrew Schneider. "Our position is to end the war on drugs and the heavy casualties it inflicts on civil liberties. This legislative victory takes us in that direction."

The state House of Representatives has taken final action, sending to Gov. Dannel Malloy's desk a bill to institute a $150 fine for first-timers caught with up to half an ounce of marijuana. The bill was adopted in the House by a 90-57 vote, after a narrow victory in the Senate that required Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman to cast the tie-breaking deciding vote for adoption.. The Senate also added language to suspend the driver's license of anyone 21 or younger caught with the drug. The suspension would be for 60 days.

Governor Malloy has said he will sign the bill into law when it reaches his desk.