RI lawmakers seek to decriminalize pot

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - A pair of local lawmakers plan to continue support of marijuana reform.

Senator Joshua Miller (D - Cranston) and Rep. John G. Edwards (D - Portsmouth, Tiverton) plan to introduce legislation to decriminalize up to an ounce of the drug.

Under current law, anyone in possession of up to an ounce of marijuana would face a misdemeanor penalty, resulting in a $200 to $500 criminal fine and up to a year in prison.

Under the new legislation, this would be replaced with a civil fine of $150.

Supporters of decriminalizing marijuana argue it will save millions in law enforcement dollars, and allow for officers to spend more time on crimes of violence.

An earlier version of this story incorrectly said Miller and Edwards are members of the Rhode Island Libertarian Party; both lawmakers are Democrats.