Philadelphia

Arrests Down Sharply Since Philadelphia Marijuana Law Change

Arrests in Philadelphia for marijuana possession have plunged in the year since the city decriminalized possession of small amounts of the drug.

The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that arrests have fallen 75 percent since the law was enacted.

And the paper says police aren't making up for the drop by issuing tickets, since arrests and citations combined are 42 percent below the total arrests made in the same time last year.

Marijuana possession remains illegal in Philadelphia, but having up to 30 grams or a little more than an ounce is punishable only by a citation and a $25 fine.

Public use of small amounts of marijuana carries the stiffer penalty of a citation along with a $100 fine or up to nine hours of community service.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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