QUESTION DECRIMINALIZING MARIJUANA POSSESSION CLOSER TO BALLOT

BOSTON -- Backers of a ballot question calling for civil instead of
criminal penalties for the possession of marijuana say they collected
more than enough signatures to get the initiative on next year's ballot.

Supporters say they filed about 105,000 signatures -- far more than
the 67,000 required.

The ballot question would impose civil penalties for anyone caught
with one ounce or less of marijuana.

Backers of the question say it would save millions in law enforcement
costs and spare thousands from getting a criminal record.

Opponents say loosening the state's drug laws sets a bad precedent.