The Impact of Marijuana Decriminalization
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Abstract
The Canadian government and several states in the United States are considering various legislative options regarding marijuana laws. In the face of public pressure for change and in view of the fact that criminal prohibition of marijuana has resulted in substantial enforcement and court costs, there has been a distinct trend in the United States toward the "decriminalization" of possession of small amounts of marijuana for personal use. In October 1973, Oregon reduced the offense of possession of less than 1 oz of marijuana to a civil violation, with a maximum penalty of a $100 fine. Within 5 years, 11 other states had enacted similar legislation.