Pot decriminalization law goes into effect in New Hampshire

CONCORD, N.H. – A law in New Hampshire decriminalizing the possession of small amounts of marijuana goes into effect Saturday.

The law reduces the penalty for possession of up to three-quarters of an ounce 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.”