Pot decriminalization law goes into effect in New Hampshire

CONCORD, NH — A law in New Hampshire decriminalizing the possession of small amounts of marijuana went into effect Saturday.

The law reduces the penalty for possession of up to three-quarters of an ounce (21 grams) of marijuana and a much smaller amount of hashish from a criminal misdemeanor to a civil violation with fines up to $300.

New Hampshire joins more than 20 states, including all of New England, in easing criminal penalties on pot.

Under the new law, police cannot arrest someone for a marijuana violation. Any money collected from the fines will go toward alcohol and drug abuse prevention and treatment.

An analyst for the pro-legalization Marijuana Policy Project praised the law, saying there's "no good reason to continue arresting and prosecuting people for marijuana possession."

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Associated Press