Orlando officials to vote in push to decriminalize marijuana
Orlando City Council members will vote Monday in the push to decriminalize marijuana.
Supporters for the change said the punishment should fit the crime, and they're pushing to reduce the offense for carrying 20 grams or less from a criminal misdemeanor to a city code violation.
"This will give our officers an option so that that person's life won't be ruined by a criminal record," said Chief John Mina of the Orlando Police Department.
Mayor Buddy Dyer announced the plan last week; instead of being arrested, the first violation would mean a $50 fine.
Currently, possessing less than 20 grams of pot is a criminal misdemeanor and carries a punishment of up to a year in jail and a fine up to $1,000.
But under the proposed change, the penalties would increase with repeated violations; a second violation doubles the fine, while a court appearance is required on a third...
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