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Philly decriminalizes possession of marijuana

On Oct. 1, Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter signed a bill decriminalizing possession of small amounts of marijuana.

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On Oct. 1, Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter signed a bill decriminalizing possession of small amounts of marijuana.

The original bill, authored by councilman Jim Kenney, had been adjusted by City Council and Mayor Nutter. Instead of being arrested for the possession of less than one ounce of marijuana, possessors will be given a citation and required to pay a $25 fine. Philadelphia police will also confiscate the drug and send it to the Philadelphia Police Department Forensics Unit for possible testing and analysis.

Mayor Nutter’s additions to the bill include a $100 fine or nine hours of community service for those caught smoking in public. Also, parents and guardians will be held liable for violations of their minors.

The law goes into effect Monday, Oct. 20, making Philadelphia the largest city in the country to decriminalize marijuana possession

Mayor Nutter also signed an executive order to launch a public outreach campaign to educate citizens on the new regulations. Philadelphians will be informed via public service announcements and distribution of palm cards at Health Centers, Police Districts and The Mayor’s Office of Reintegration Services (R.I.S.E.). The palm cards will be available in both English and Spanish.

The executive order also includes the City’s support of substance abuse and violence prevention programs for adults and students, such as the LifeSkills Training Program, which is implemented in twelve Philadelphia middle schools.

The City is also going to continue working with Community Legal Services to help with the expungement of residents with a criminal record, particularly those arrested or convicted for marijuana use or possession.

“This approach is consistent with President Obama’s 2014 National Drug Control Strategy Report, which represents a national shift toward policies that emphasize prevention, treatment and recovery,” Mayor Nutter said. “I do not condone marijuana use, it is illegal. 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.”

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