Arnold Schwarzenegger today claimed no one cares if people smoke a joint.

The Hollywood actor turned governor of California signed a law five weeks ago that made possession of up to an ounce of marijuana the equivalent of a traffic ticket. It carries a penalty of no more than a 100 dollar (£62) fine and no arrest or criminal record.

He defended the law in a TV interview, telling host Jay Leno on NBC television's Tonight Show it was a good idea.

According to a transcript of the interview, Schwarzenegger said: "No one cares if you smoke a joint or not."

On election day, voters rejected a further initiative that would have allowed adults aged 21 and older to possess and grow small amounts of marijuana.

The governor, who is wrapping up his final term, told Leno the ballot proposal went too far.