Bill would decriminalize marijuana in state

PROVIDENCE – A state representative has introduced a bill that would decriminalize possession of small amounts of marijuana.
The bill, submitted by Rep. John G. Edwards, D-Tiverton, would decriminalize possession of up to one ounce of marijuana. Currently, possession of any amount of marijuana carries a criminal penalty of up to one year in jail and a $500 maximum fine.
Under the measure, offenders possessing less than an ounce would receive civil fines of $150 per occurrence.
“I see this as a win for the taxpayers of Rhode Island,” Edwards said. “First, we wouldn’t tie up our criminal courts with these minor offenses. Second, the entity that catches the individual keeps the fine and finally, we save some money by not having to house and feed these individuals at taxpayer expense.”
Massachusetts voters approved a similar move in 2008, making possession of less than one ounce of marijuana a civil offense.
The bill, which will be heard by the House Judiciary Committee this month, is co-sponsored by Rep. Samuel A. Azzinaro, D-Westerly; Rep. Rod Driver, D-Richmond; Rep. Brian C. Newberry, D-North Smithfield, Burrillville; Rep. Peter Martin, D-Newport; and 29 others. &#8226