A New Hampshire legislative hearing this week focused on a bill that would decriminalize possession of up to 1.25 ounces of marijuana, the Nashua Telegraph reported Jan. 24.

"Peaceful adults in possession of small amounts of marijuana do not harm others, but they do occupy our police, clog up our court system and take up space in our jails," said Richard Van Wickler, head of the Cheshire County jail system and part of a group of supporters attending the hearing before the House Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee.

Under the bill sponsored by a pair of state Representatives, minor marijuana possession would be punishable by a $200 fine, rather than up to a year in jail and up to $2,500 in fines. "Mistakes early in life, like a possession charge, can be devastating to the futures of our young people," said bill cosponsor Rep. Jeffery Fontas (D-Nashua). "Not only can a possession charge be discouraging at the time of arrest and especially distressing to the relationship between parents and children, but it can also reappear later in life, causing consequences often invisible to the public."

New Hampshire Police Chiefs Association President Peter Morency testified against the measure. "Every drug dealer I've always talked to says it all started with the first joint," said Morency. "Don't do this." Also opposing the bill is the state attorney general's office.

A dozen other states have made marijuana possession a violation rather than a criminal offense.