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Tampa law enforcement officials now have the option of issuing a civil fine instead of automatically arresting someone in possession of small amounts of marijuana. Mayor Bob Buckhorn signed the ordinance after the measure was approved by a city council vote of 5 – 1.
According to TampaBay.com, those possessing less than 20-grams of marijuana would face a fine beginning at $75. For recurring infractions, the fine is raised.
Fines increase to:
- 2nd offense – $150
- 3rd offense – $300
- $450 for each recurring offense
Tampa’s Mayor has spoken of his support of decriminalization of marijuana with alternative consequences. He believes that arresting residents for minor offenses, such as marijuana possession, hinders their ability to find employment and maintain legal driving status.
Buckhorn said earlier in 2016 that, “There is almost a universal recognition that we need to do this better. Doing this doesn’t make us any less anti-drug, but it’s a realization that the penalties that have been imposed have more damage to the trajectories of young peoples’ lives than the offenses have warranted.”
The ordinance could be in effect as soon as April.
