Mass. Prepares For Marijuana Decriminalization

The state is asking cities and towns to consider passing ordinances criminalizing the use of marijuana in public.

The request comes as a new Massachusetts law decriminalizing the possession of small amounts of the drug is poised to go into effect Friday.

Under a November referendum, possession of up to one ounce of marijuana is punishable by only a $100 fine.

The new law also decriminalizes hashish and hash oil.