FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NH Coalition for Common Sense Marijuana Policy
1 603-391-7450
info@nhcommonsense.org
www.nhcommonsense.org
12/14/2007

The New Hampshire Coalition for Common Sense Marijuana Policy today announced the launch of its online petition to support a marijuana decriminalization measure in the New Hampshire House of Representatives. The bill would reduce penalties for possession of less than 1.25 ounces of marijuana from a misdemeanor to a "civil violation" offense punishable only by a fine.

Executive Director Matt Simon said the measure that will be considered is a far cry from legalization. "This bill will simply reduce the penalties for marijuana possession and acknowledge an obvious fact: that marijuana is far less harmful than some other currently illegal drugs," he said.

Supporters note that similar 'decrim' measures have been in effect since the 1970's in other states, including Maine. "We're just trying to minimize the harms done by Marijuana Prohibition," Simon explained.

NH Common Sense also announced the release of its complete "Anti-Prohibitionist Report Card" on the presidential primary contenders from both major parties. The print version of this report card made its debut at the International Drug Policy Reform Conference in New Orleans last week, where Simon and Phillip Allen distributed the snappy little document to drug policy reform activists from across the United States and around the world.