Philadelphia is the latest U.S. city to decriminalize the use of marijuana after Mayor Michael Nutter signed a new ordinance specifying that individuals will no longer be arrestesd for use or possession of 30 grams or less of the drug.
“I do not condone marijuana use, it is illegal,” said Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter, who signed the ordinance Wednesday. “But the punishment needs to be proportionate to the crime, and these are common sense changes that will have a positive impact on many Philadelphians.”
The use and possession of marijuana is still illegal in Philadelphia, the city release said, but the penalties have been changed to eliminate arrests for nonviolent offenders.
“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,” the city release said, adding that changes go into effect Oct. 20, 2014.
When an individual is stopped for use or possession, police officers will confiscate the marijuana and it will possibly be tested for substances. Parents and guardians can be held liable for violations of minor children.
The news that Philadelphia became the largest U.S. city to decriminalize marijuana made rapid rounds on the internet, eliciting some jokes.
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