Legalizing Weed: 7 Quotes From Lawmakers After Marijuana Became Decriminalized in Connecticut

Connecticut decriminalized marijuana in 2011, reducing the penalty for possession of small amounts of the drug from a misdemeanor to a civil infraction. The resulting punishments would go from potential jail time to smaller fines.

Connecticut lawmakers had a lot to say about decriminalized marijuana as the bill barely made it to the Connecticut governor's desk after a close state Senate vote, here are some of the more noteworthy quotes.

Tell Us: Should the Government Legalize Marijuana?

1. “Let me make it clear – we are not legalizing the use of marijuana. In modifying this law, we are recognizing that the punishment should fit the crime, and acknowledging the effects of its application,” Malloy said in a statement. “There is no question that the state’s criminal justice resources could be more effectively utilized for convicting, incarcerating and supervising violent and more serious offenders.”
– Connecticut Gov. Dannel Malloy

2. "I recognize some people are concerned about the message were sending to young people, I think the message is, doing marijuana is not the right thing, but we chose to change the penalty – remember there is still a penalty."
– State Rep. Gary Holder-Winfield, D-New Haven

3. "I'm concerned it sends a message to our youth (that) if you possess up to a half ounce of marijuana, (it) is no big deal. It's a traffic ticket."
– House Minority Leader Larry Cafero, R-Norwalk

VOTE NOW: Is Connecticut Gov. Dannel Malloy Doing a Good Job?

4. "It puts into jeopardy the future endeavors of such young people. Decriminalizing the use and possession of small amounts of marijuana is a better course and in the best interest of young people whose judgment may not be fully matured."
– Sen. Eric Coleman, D-Bloomfield, co-chairman of the General Assembly's Judiciary Committee

5. “We are not enforcing the use of illegal drugs. We strongly disapprove of their use, but we're trying to realign their punishment that is more appropriate."
– Senate Majority Leader Martin Looney, D-New Haven

6. "For me, a policy that lessens the severity of drug use is a bad one," he said. "I don't believe we should just give up."
– Senate Minority Leader John McKinney, R-Fairfield

7. "It is either a danger or it is not. These are not sound policy decisions for legislators in this state to make."
– State Rep. Themis Klarides, R-Derby

Vote Now: How Do You Feel About Marijuana Legalization?

Related Stories:

• Legalizing Weed: 10 Funny Tweets After Pot Became Legal in Connecticut
• 10 States Where Support is Highest For Legalizing Marijuana