The Vermont Senate Judiciary Committee rejected calls for marijuana decriminalization but approved legislation that would lower the penalties for possession of the drug, the Burlington Free Press reported Feb. 8.

On a 4-1 vote, the committee agreed to eliminate the possibility of jail time for individuals caught with an ounce or less of marijuana, instead making them eligible for a court-ordered diversion program.

"I know a lot of people wanted decriminalization. We're not going to do that," said committee chair Sen. Richard Sears. "This is better than decriminalization."

Jane Woodruff, executive director of the Department of State's Attorneys and Sheriffs, said prosecutors would not have a problem with the change. "No one on first-or second-time marijuana goes to jail unless there's something else going on," she said.

Perhaps that's why Kathleen Daye, who followed the debate, said the committee's decision would make little practical difference. However, "What it will do is keep the conversation going," she said.

The committee had been asked to decriminalize possession of four ounces or less of marijuana.