Today, June 07 2011, marks a historic moment for marijuana decriminalization. Those who reside in the state of Connecticut are particularly pleased to hear that the Connecticut House of Representatives passed a bill that would reduce any first time marijuana possession offense of less than an ounce to a modest fine of $150. Preceding the House’s passing of the bill the offense would lead to a misdemeanor accompanied by a $1000 fine. Along with the reduced penalty, those between the ages of 18 to 21 caught with a small amount of cannabis face a 60-day driver’s license suspension.
Days ago, the Connecticut Senate passed the initial bill to decriminalize marijuana, with the house following quickly after. Soon after the decriminalization bill passed, CT Governor Daniel P. Malloy (D) urged the House to pass the bill before the current session ends, calling it a “common sense” reform to the justice system. He got his exact wish just two days later. The House vote was 90-57 in favor, subsequently heading to the Governor of Connecticut, Dan P. Malloy who said he has every intention of signing it.
Marijuana law reform has become a highlight in international and domestic news. There is no doubt that our representatives are finally rethinking these draconian policies after repeated failure and a budget that can no longer sustain incarcerating non-violent drug offenders that leaves our country in a financially disheveled state.
All these state reforms are in my mind foreshadowing a Federal rescheduling of cannabis. This would be the next big step for sweeping reform throughout the USA. I do not doubt that this 2012 we will have 25 states with either decriminalization laws or medical marijuana laws enacted, and with candidates like Gary Johnson and Ron Paul in the mix it will definitely be a topic in Presidential debates.
Expect more reform, as our fiscal budgets get more and more strapped. It happened with Alcohol Prohibition in the Great Depression, and it is happening again with Marijuana, as we have seen with prohibition it seems to repeat itself in near perfection.
The Weed Street Journal
