PROVIDENCE, R.I.—A Rhode Island lawmaker has introduced a bill to decriminalize the possession of small amounts of marijuana.
The bill from Rep. John Edwards, a Tiverton Democrat, would make the possession of up to one ounce of marijuana punishable by a $150 fine. Marijuana possession is now a crime that carries up to a year in prison.
Edwards, who also submitted the bill last year, says it's a waste of money to imprison people for marijuana possession. He says his legislation could save the state millions of dollars in court costs and prison expenses.
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