LANSING - Drug abuse can lead to criminal activity, but are the state's current drug laws too uncompromising?

Many convicted drug violators are non-violent, but they are lumped in with other criminals who harm people, critics of the present sentencing rules say.

But Rep. Paul Condino, D-Southfield, chair of the House Judiciary Committee, wants to revamp the punishment for possessing small amounts of marijuana.

Condino is working on legislation to divert marijuana offenders from prison into drug courts and programs where rehabilitation and court-mandated screenings attempt to treat drug users.

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