MASS. MARIJUANA LAW ADVOCATES AIMING HIGHER

BOSTON (AP) -- With a big win at the state level behind them,
advocates for marijuana decriminalization are aiming for changes in
federal law.

On Tuesday, Massachusetts voters approved a law that punishes people
caught with less than an ounce of marijuana with a civil fine, rather
than criminal penalty.

Now local advocates point to a bill introduced by U.S. Rep. Barney
Frank, which would decriminalize possession of marijuana in amounts
of 3.5 ounces or less anywhere in the country.

Keith Stroup of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana
Laws said he hopes the bill can lead to hearings and spark more
support from lawmakers.

But Frank told The Boston Globe he doesn't see his bill passing
anytime soon because his fellow lawmakers aren't yet ready to take a
stand on the issue.