After a lengthy debate, the state House of Representatives today gave final legislative approval to a bill that decriminalizes the possession of small amounts of marijuana.
The vote was 90 to 57 in favor and came after a spirited discussion that stretched on for nearly five hours.
The bill now goes to Gov. Dannel P. Malloy, who immediately hailed its passage and pledged to sign it when it reaches his desk.
"Final approval of this legislation accepts the reality that the current law does more harm than good - both in the impact it has on people's lives and the burden it places on police, prosecutors and probation officers of the criminal justice system,'' Malloy said in a statement emailed to reporters moments after the vote was tallied.
