The Vermont House is backing away from a push to legalize marijuana.
The House instead is set to debate a bill that would study the issue and lighten the penalty for first-offense possession of up to an ounce.
That currently carries a $200 fine under Vermont's system of decriminalization. The bill up for debate Tuesday would halve that to $100.
The measure also calls for stepped-up training for police officers to recognize drivers under the influence of drugs. It calls for a commission to study legalization with an eye toward bringing the issue back to lawmakers later.
The Senate had passed a bill making possession of up to an ounce legal for those 21 and over. But that effort is expected to fall by the wayside.
Copyright AP - Associated Press