Philadelphia Marijuana Law Decriminalizes Drug in Small Amounts: It's a 'Common Sense Change,' Says Mayor
A Philadelphia marijuana law was signed by the city's mayor Wednesday effectively decriminalizing small amounts of the drug. Mayor Michael Nutter said that while he doesn't cosign using marijuana or any illegal drug, the punishment for using it should fit the crime, not exceed it.
The Philadelphia marijuana legislation states that anyone with 30 grams or less won't be arrested, but the crime will be reduced to a civil offense. The move will help reduce arrests of nonviolent offenders. Anyone caught with the drug will still have to give their ID.
"For possession, an individual will receive a Notice of Violation and $25 fine. For public use, an individual will receive a Notice of Violation and $100 fine, or up to nine hours of community service," a press release from the city explained.
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Anyone with over 30 grams of marijuana will still be arrested and will be charged with a criminal offense.
"You can still be arrested for selling or distributing marijuana, more than 30 grams, DUI, or not giving correct ID to @PhillyPolice," the city posted from its Twitter account.
The law will go into effect on Oct. 20, and the city of Philadelphia is planning an outreach effort to let residents know about the new legislation. Mayor Nutter said that although he was originally against changing marijuana legislation in the past, he couldn't have Philadelphians getting punished heavily for small amounts of pot.
"I do not condone marijuana use, it is illegal," Nutter told CBS news. "But punishment needs to be proportionate to the crime, and these are common sense changes that will have a positive impact on many Philadelphians."
