Debate resumes today in the Vermont Senate on a bill that would lessen penalities for possession of marijuana.

Under the legislation, people caught with small amounts of marijuana would have the choice between a fine or a court diversion program if caught.

There are 12 states in the country that have some form of marijuana decriminalization laws. In past weeks we've spoken with Vermont law enforcement officials about the effort, including Vermont�s new Public Safety Commissioner Tom Tremblay, who spoke out against it.

Today we hear from Keith Stroup, founder and legal counsel for NORML, the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws.

Straup says there's strong evidence that decriminalization has worked well in states that approved it:

Click listen to hear the entire interview.