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Marijuana Decriminalization Bill Up For Debate

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP / WCBS 880) -- Connecticut lawmakers are taking up several bills that would legalize marijuana for medical purposes and decriminalize the possession of small amounts of the illegal drug.

WCBS 880 Connecticut Bureau Chief Fran Schneidau reports

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The General Assembly's Judiciary Committee is scheduled to hold a public hearing on Monday to hear testimony on the proposals.

One bill, proposed by Gov. Dannel P. Malloy, would make it an infraction for someone to possess less than one ounce of marijuana. Under current law, it would be a misdemeanor.

Another bill proposed by lawmakers would also make it an infraction to possession drug paraphernalia.

Committee members are also expected to hear testimony on legislation that would allow doctors in Connecticut to prescribe marijuana for medical purposes to certain patients with debilitating conditions. Malloy has offered one of the bills for consideration.

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(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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