Katelyn Baker
Well-Known Member
Osceola County commissioners today will consider an ordinance that could lessen the punishment for small amounts of marijuana, officials say.
If approved, Osceola residents in possession of 20 grams of cannabis or less could get slapped with a $100 fine instead of jail time, documents show.
"The board of county commissioners finds that the existing criminal penalties for the possession of small amounts of marijuana and for the possession of drug paraphernalia used to administer marijuana are often disproportionate in the severity of the offense," officials say in an agenda packet.
Municipalities like Volusia County and Orlando have recently passed similar rules.
Osceola commissioners approved a statement of legislative intent on June 6. If they approve the ordinance tonight, officials would have ten days to file it with the state. It would take effect 30 days after that.
St. Cloud and Kissimmee could opt out the ordinance, officials said.
Law enforcement officials would make the final decision about whether or not to arrest the offender or issue a citation.
"It gives them another tool, another option," said county attorney Andrew Mai on Monday.
News Moderator: Katelyn Baker 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Osceola Considers Lessening Punishment For Small Amounts Of Marijuana
Author: Jessica Inman
Contact: (407) 420-5000
Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Website: Orlando Sentinel
If approved, Osceola residents in possession of 20 grams of cannabis or less could get slapped with a $100 fine instead of jail time, documents show.
"The board of county commissioners finds that the existing criminal penalties for the possession of small amounts of marijuana and for the possession of drug paraphernalia used to administer marijuana are often disproportionate in the severity of the offense," officials say in an agenda packet.
Municipalities like Volusia County and Orlando have recently passed similar rules.
Osceola commissioners approved a statement of legislative intent on June 6. If they approve the ordinance tonight, officials would have ten days to file it with the state. It would take effect 30 days after that.
St. Cloud and Kissimmee could opt out the ordinance, officials said.
Law enforcement officials would make the final decision about whether or not to arrest the offender or issue a citation.
"It gives them another tool, another option," said county attorney Andrew Mai on Monday.
News Moderator: Katelyn Baker 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Osceola Considers Lessening Punishment For Small Amounts Of Marijuana
Author: Jessica Inman
Contact: (407) 420-5000
Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Website: Orlando Sentinel
