POLL: Does Marijuana Decriminalization Make Sense In RI?

The Senate and House have both approved bills for carrying an ounce or less of marijuana, which Gov. Lincoln Chafee said he's inclined to pass during a WPRO interview.

The legislation passed the House in a 50 to 24 vote and passed the Senate in a 28 to 6 vote. Each bill must now pass in the opposite chamber in order to become law. If enacted, Rhode Island would become the 15th state to decriminalize marijuana.

The legislation could save the state millions of dollars each year, clean the judicial dockets for more serious issues and take away the criminal stigma from an otherwise youthful indiscretion, Rep. John G. Edwards (D-Dist. 70, Tiverton, Portsmouth), a sponsor of the House bill, said.

Some in law enforcement disagree, with Woonsocket Police Chief Thomas Carey saying decriminalization would make Woonsocket officers less effective, since marijuana arrests often lead to the discovery of more serious crimes. Also, he said, marijuana offenses present little burden on the system.

Attorney General Peter Kilmartin also opposes decriminalization because it would increase the number of people driving under the influence of the drug and increase the risk of teens using it.

So, which concern carries more weight? The long-term consequences and cost of prosecution for posession, or the effectiveness of officers and the potential risk to teens? Vote in our poll below, and tell us your reasons in the comments.