Vermont Voters Support Decriminalizing Marijuana Salem-News / 2,15,2012 Majority Wants Legislators to Remove Criminal Penalties for Possession of Small Amounts of Marijuana. (MONTPELIER, Vt.) - According to a Public Policy Polling survey released today, a majority of Vermont voters are in favor of removing criminal penalties for possession of small amounts of marijuana. Under current Vermont law, the penalty for possession of marijuana is up to six months in jail and up to a $500 fine. Of those polled, 63% supported replacing criminal penalties for possession of an ounce or less of marijuana with a civil infraction and a fine of up to $150, with no threat of arrest or jail. The poll also reported that a majority of Vermonters would support politicians who also supported making this change. When asked if they would be more likely to vote for a legislator that voted to replace criminal penalties for possession of small amounts of marijuana, 52% reported that they would be more likely to support such a lawmaker. This is particularly relevant in light of a bill currently being considered in the Vermont House, HB 427, which closely mirrors the reform described to respondents in the poll. Part of the reason behind support for this bill is the perception of danger associated with marijuana as compared to alcohol. Of those polled, 74% responded that marijuana is as safe or safer than alcohol. This perception, which is supported by many scientific studies, only serves to highlight the discrepancy between marijuana and alcohol penalties. “Vermont voters overwhelmingly believe marijuana is no more harmful than alcohol and that people who possess a small amount should not face up to six months in jail and a criminal conviction,†said Karen O'Keefe, director of state policies for the Marijuana Policy Project. “It's time for legislative leadership to bring this sensible proposal to a vote, so that Vermont can focus its limited criminal justice resources on crime with actual victims.†The results of the poll can be viewed here: mpp.org/VTpoll. The Marijuana Policy Project, the largest marijuana-policy-reform organization in the United States, is responsible for changing most state-level marijuana laws since 2000. For more information, please visit www.mpp.org.
It's like every state is going after some form of legalization or decriminalization right now. Something big has to happen soon. They keep dodging us like we're snowballs, but they're about to bring down the avalanche. If they're not prepared, they're screwed.
This is good news, but unfortunately efforts at decriminalization have been stopped in this state before, despite the governor, legislature and the voters being overwhelmingly in favor of it. Last year when this came up the Speaker of the House, Shap Smith, prevented the decriminalization bill from coming to the floor for a vote. His concern is that as a father he doesn't want the reduction of penalties to send the wrong message to children and encourage use. When the session ended last year he was going to take some time to think on the issue, but as far as I know his position hasn't changed. As a Vermonter I am deeply distressed that one person can prevent any real movement on this issue. I've written to Speaker Smith and would encourage all Vermonters here to do the same. The penalties here are insanely stiff and do not match how cannabis is viewed by the citizens; there is a serious disconnect between the law and the values of the citizens of the state and it needs to be corrected.
That's all fine and dandy Mr. Smith - I'll tell you what, if you catch your kid with weed you can take him out back and ^*$% the little shit if you want. There's your deterrant to your kids. As for the rest of us, why should our kids go to jail because you're trying to come across as self righteous?
Send a bad message? Umm... Alcohol and tobacco are legal, so is coffee and a slew of other substances that are proven killers. That argument has been dead and played out for many years now. What a joke just legalize the damn plant already and stop wasting time and money arguing why it "shouldn't" be legal. If that's the case time to criminalize alcohol and tobacco, it's only fair. Lol
What a bunch of freaking bs. "It would send the wrong message to the kids??" You can't even watch the super bowl without getting bombarded by a million beer adds which suggest that you can't have a good time without alcohol. Alcohol is a MUCH more harmful, addictive and destructive drug. Somebody really needs to slap some sense into the guy.