Marijuana Policy Project

The Vermont Senate Judiciary committee will hold a public hearing Wednesday night to discuss the controversial issue of decriminalizing small amounts of marijuana. It's a concept that's been around for quite a while, and now a bill before the senate would reduce the punishment for people caught with small amounts of pot.

"It's a very emotional issue for a lot of folks," said Senate Judiciary Chairman Dick Sears.

The Democrat from Bennington notes he's heard a lot of opinions about decriminalizing marijuana. "They're concerned about legalizing one more drug or decriminalizing one more drug, because we have a lot of problems with our legal drug of alcohol," said Sears.

The bill up before the senate would lessen the punishment for people caught with less than 4 ounces of pot. Instead of facing criminal charges, they would be charged with a civil offense- like receiving a severe speeding ticket. Sears said this debate not about legalization of the drug, but how to deal with people who possess it.

The Senate Judiciary Committee plans to look at many of the facts and issues of lessening the punishment, including a claim that processing offenders takes a lot of police time to prosecute.

"We want to examine- is that true? Is it a burden on law enforcement, or isn't it? You know, I have talked to a couple of police officers recently who say 'No, it's not a burden on us,'" said the Chairmen.

Sears says the senate has heard from people on both sides of the bill, and they hope to hear more tonight, but it seems to be an issue that many Vermonters remain split on.

"Frankly, we're putting too many people away just for marijuana, and really compared to some of the other things out there, it's not that bad," said Aveyn Farneth, who is in favor of decriminalization.

Daniel Haseltine remains undecided. "I feel kind of both sides of it. I feel like it's tough that we're putting people in jail or they're getting in trouble with the legal system by getting pulled over with a gram of marijuana. But also I feel it can lead to bad things for a kid. It can lead to gateway drugs, to other things- cocaine and other drugs like that. So, I'm kind of on the edge. I think the best thing to do it stay where we're at now," he said.

But for others, there is no question.

"I think that marijuana should be illegal. I don't think that it's necessary, and I just don't think that getting high is something some people need to do," said Melanie Breault.

The hearing will take place Wednesday night at 6 p.m. at the Statehouse. Sears said if people can't make it, they can email or write senate members to make sure their voice is heard. Another bill that will be discussed tonight looks an increasing the penalty for trafficking heroin and cocaine.