Rhode Island Governor Signs Bill Decriminalizing Marijuana [View all]

[RainDog]

http://www.necn.com/06/13/12/RI-Gov-signs-bill-decriminalizing-mariju/landing_politics.html?&apID=d23b3c0b39ce4baf99589244bb8049f4

Rhode Island Gov. Lincoln Chafee has signed legislation rolling back criminal penalties for the possession of small amounts of marijuana.

Chafee announced the signing Wednesday night after the General Assembly ended its formal session. Chafee, an independent, had been expected to sign the bill into law.

Adults caught with an ounce or less of marijuana would face a $150 civil fine. Minors would also have to complete a drug awareness program and community service.

The previous state law made possession of small amounts of marijuana a misdemeanor. Violators had faced possible jail time and fines up to $500.

So, we now have 15 states that have decriminalized possession of limited amounts of marijuana and 17 states, plus DC, that have legalized medical marijuana (sometimes these states overlap, btw.)

Also - 7 States have pending mmj legislation as of June 2012.

http://thinkprogress.org/justice/2012/06/13/498675/seven-more-states-may-legalize-medical-marijuana-in-2012/

Two states have legalization amendments on the ballot for 2012 - CO, WA.

People in Oregon are seeking signatures for 2 different ballot intiatives.

http://cannabistaxact.org/
http://endprohibitionagain.com/