Should marijuana be decriminalized? State considers it.

Former lawmaker Toby Nixon just testified on a bill in the Senate Judiciary Committee to decriminalize the possession of marijuana — less than 40 grams, that is.

Here’s the bill. It would charge those under 18 with less than 40 grams with a misdemeanor. Those over 18 with less than 40 grams would face a civil infraction — like a parking ticket — and a fine of $100.

Nixon said, “The most dangerous thing about marijuana is getting arrested for it.” He told committee members that it’s less addictive than caffeine or alcohol.

Sen. Adam Kline said that, in his experience, marijuana is a gateway drug . “I used to grow my own dope, now I brew my own beer,” he said. He was kidding, but when Sen. Pam Roach asked for clarification of whether it was a gateway drug, he said, “It is.”

I’ll have more as I go over the video, which you can find here.

Tags: marijuana