NH lawmaker brings marijuana bill

Associated Press - February 3, 2009 5:45 PM ET

CONCORD, N.H. (AP) - Things could be looking up for marijuana smokers in the Granite State.

Democratic state Rep. Steven Lindsey is sponsoring a bill to decriminalize possession of up to an ounce of marijuana, one year after a similar measure died in the State Senate.

His bill would impose a maximum fine of $100 on those caught with an ounce of marijuana or less. Minors would have to complete a drug treatment program and community service, or face an additional fine of $1,000. Lindsey called the state's possession law draconian at a hearing Tuesday.

Possession of an ounce or less is a misdemeanor under current law, with a possible prison sentence of up to one year. Karin Eckel, an assitant attorney general in New Hampshire, said first time offenders rarely receive jail time.

http://www.wcax.com/Global/story.asp?S=9782409&nav=4QcS