Even before the JLARC study, the General Assembly — very delicately — pressed cops to cut back on marijuana arrests. It was ignored. In 1972, lawmakers passed a resolution — an expression of legislative sentiment that doesn’t carry the weight of law — urging state and local police to focus on busting those selling and distributing the most dangerous drugs.

However, JLARC found, “state and local law enforcement have not followed this direction. Instead, most resources are spent on the apprehension of drug users and the confiscation of small amounts of marijuana.”

This wasn’t viewed as cost-effective law enforcement, particularly in an era of spiraling, budget-eroding inflation. It compelled JLARC to recommend an unconventional step: decriminalization of marijuana.

“Possession of marijuana has had a significant impact on the activities of law enforcement organizations, courts and probation,” the report said.

“Of the total drug caseload in 1974, about half consisted of simple possession of marijuana violations. Although there is an unquestionable need to discourage the use of marijuana, it should be accomplished efficiently and in a manner more consistent with its social consequences and potential harm in relation to other drug abuse.”