Urge Vermont Senate committee to reduce marijuana penalties

During the last two weeks, the Senate Judiciary Committee has heard testimony from the public and law enforcement officials on reducing marijuana penalties. On Thursday, February 7, the committee will continue discussing S.238. This bill would make the penalty for possession of less than two ounces of marijuana a civil violation punishable by a maximum fine of $250. It will also make possession of less than four ounces of marijuana a civil violation, punishable only by a fine. These important changes might save students and others from criminal records.

Please take a moment now to send a letter to the members of the Senate Judiciary Committee in support of S.238. We have several letters available for you to send, but you can also take a moment to personalize your letter. Unfortunately, several members of the committee recently said that they don't think there is any reason to change Vermont's marijuana policy. So, please take action now to let them know that possessing small amounts of marijuana should not be a criminal offense.

It's also important that Vermont's legislators see support for this bill in the press. If you are willing to submit a letter to the editor in support of marijuana policy reform, please e-mail Zane Hurst at Zane@mpp.org. We can provide you with talking points and other information to use in your letter.

It is time for Vermont to catch up to states like Mississippi, Ohio, and North Carolina and stop jailing people for low-level marijuana possession. Please pass this alert on to your friends, family, and e-mail lists in Vermont. Thank you for supporting the Marijuana Policy Project.