A scheduled vote in the New Jersey Assembly on a bill decriminalizing possession of small amounts of marijuana has been postponed.
The measure would decriminalize possession of up to a half ounce of pot -- about 35 joints -- to make it a civil offense punishable by a fine of $100 to $500.
The bill was pulled Thursday so minor amendments could be made. One would defer a portion of the fine to drug education. Another would mandate drug counseling for repeat violators.
The proposal has bipartisan support, with 15 Democrats and three Republicans as co-sponsors.
A companion bill has been introduced in the Senate but hasn't had a hearing. Gov. Chris Christie, a former federal prosecutor, has not taken a position on the bill.
Copyright AP - Associated Press
