Marijuana hearing in Pittsburgh draws only supporters

If a movement opposed to decriminalizing marijuana in Pittsburgh exists, its followers did not choose to speak at a public forum Tuesday afternoon in City Council chambers.

Instead, about 40 citizens told council members why they should vote to decriminalize small amounts of marijuana, citing concerns about racial disparity in arrests, complications of having a criminal record and the right to self-medicate.

“I'm a homeowner. I'm a taxpayer. I've also been a criminal for about 40 years,” said Michael Keenan, 58, of Spring Hill. “I am tired of being a criminal over a plant.”

Councilman R. Daniel Lavelle of the Hill District introduced the decriminalization proposal in November. It would add language to the city's crime code that makes possessing up to 30 grams of marijuana punishable by a $25 fine. The proposal is poised for passage with at least six of nine council members voicing their intentions to vote...

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