By Eric W. Dolan.

Rhode Island Gov. Lincoln Chafee, a Republican turned Independent, on Wednesday signed into law a bill to decriminalize small amounts of marijuana.

The Providence Journal reported that the law makes possessing an ounce or less of marijuana a civil violation with a $150 fine. However, three violations within 18 months would be a misdemeanor with larger fines and possibly prison.

Half of the money collected by the fines will be put towards drug awareness and treatment programs for youths.

Last year, Chafee asked the federal Drug Enforcement Administration to reclassify marijuana as a Schedule II drug.

Sixteen states, including…

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