Moms Talk Q&A: What Do You Think about Decriminalizing Marijuana?

The state House and Senate have approved a bill that would decriminalize possession of small amounts of marijuana in Connecticut. The bill is expected to be signed into law by Gov. Malloy.

Among the bill's detractors is tate Sen. Toni Boucher, R-Wilton, who says there are serious health risks and even more serious social consequences to marijuana use.

To read about Boucher and her contention that Malloy’s support of the measure is rooted in the past drug problems of his son, Benjamin, click here.

Malloy is one of many, many Connecticut parents whose children have been caught using illegal drugs. Some of these parents surely feel that the punishment for making that mistake has been too severe.

They are not alone. For years, judges and prosecutors, citing case backlogs and overcrowded prisons, have privately criticized a system that would treat teen-agers and young adults caught smoking pot as hardened criminals.

Many parents have privately hoped for a change in the law. But others have sided with Boucher, fearing that any relaxation of drug laws will only lead to an increase in drug use among teen-agers, including their own.

What do you think? As a parent, do you support the state’s move to decriminalize marijuana? Or do you think it is a mistake that will result in placing more kids at risk? 

And as a member of the community, how do you feel about decriminalizing marijuana? Do you worry that your banker or lawyer or the guy driving that truck will now be smoking pot on the job?

Please use the comment box to let us know how you feel.