Associated Press

BOSTON - The state's eleven district attorneys have each kicked in more than $2,000 to fight a ballot question that would decriminalize possession of small amounts of marijuana.

The $27,670 raised for the newly formed Coalition to Save Our Streets is dwarfed by the $648,473 raised by the Committee for Sensible Marijuana Policy, which backs the question.

Middlesex District Attorney Gerry Leone has criticized the question, which he said sends the wrong message to children.Supporters say the marijuana laws are antiquated.

If the measure, which would make having an ounce or less of the drug a civil offense punishable by a $100 fine, is approved, Massachusetts would become the 13th state to lift or ease criminal penalties on marijuana possession.