Philadelphia

Philly Relaxes Penalties for Marijuana Possession

Philadelphia has enacted legislation that allows police to ticket people for possessing small amounts of marijuana instead of arresting them.

The statute calls for a $25 fine for anyone caught with less than an ounce of pot. The new law takes effect Oct. 20.

Councilman Jim Kenney, who sponsored the bill, compared the fine to a parking ticket. Violations won't become part of a person's criminal record.

Public consumption of marijuana will result in a $100 fine or up to nine hours of community service. The drug will also be confiscated.

Mayor Michael Nutter signed the legislation Wednesday. City Council had approved it in June.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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