Global Ganja Report

New Jersey lawmakers are set to consider a bill that would decriminalize possession of up to a half ounce of cannabis. The proposal calls for fines of $100 to $500 for possession of up to half an ounce, but no jail time. Possession of drug paraphernalia would result in a $100 fine, and violators who are underage or have multiple convictions would be referred for drug counseling. The proposal is co-sponsored by 15 Democrats and three Republicans. Gov. Chris Christie, a Republican, has proposed mandatory treatment for nonviolent drug offenders rather than jail, and has appropriated $2.5 million for the program. But Democrats want a limited pilot program to see if mandatory treatment really works. (AP, May 17)

Cannabis is also the subject of debate at the New Hampshire state house, currently considering bills that would decriminalize possession of up to a half ounce of cannabis and allow for cultivation of industrial hemp. The decriminalization bill passed the House in March by one vote, and is now being debated in the Senate. (Manchester Union-Leader, April 20)

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