Massachusetts lawmakers may end up passing more than legislation if three proposed bills reducing punishment for marijuana possession from jail time to a small fine are voted into law.

Proposed Senate bills no. 1121 and no. 1011 would replace criminal penalties for possession of less than one ounce of marijuana with a civil fine. House bill no. 2247 will create a program to make it legal for people to grow, smoke or possess marijuana with a doctor's written certification.

Under current Massachusetts law, people arrested for possession of any amount of marijuana can face up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $500, according to the Committee for Sensible Marijuana Policy.

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