Vermont Lawmakers To Seriously Consider Decriminalizing Marijuana In 2011

Lawmakers will be reintroducing legislation in 2011 to reduce the penalties for minor marijuana possession offenses from a criminal misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in jail and a $500 fine to a civil offense punishable a fine only. Passage of the measure, which has been endorsed by Governor-elect Peter Shumlin will allow state law enforcement to reallocate an estimated $700,000 annually.