VERMONT has become the 17th US state to get rid of criminal penalties for the possession of small amounts of marijuana.

Governor Peter Shumlin signed a measure into law on Thursday.

The law replaces criminal penalties with civil fines similar to a traffic ticket for possession of up to an ounce of marijuana or five grams of hashish.

The law also treats possession of such amounts of marijuana by people under age 21 the same as underage possession of alcohol, including referral to court diversion for a first offence, potential civil penalties and/or licence suspension, and criminal penalties for a third violation.

Previously, possession of up to 2 ounces (56 grams) of marijuana was punishable by a six- to 24-month jail term.

Vermont legalised the use of medical marijuana in 2004.