ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) - The city of Orlando is a step closer to decriminalizing possession of small amounts of marijuana, which other cities around Florida have done.
The city council's 4-3 vote Monday in favor clears the measure for a final decision May 9. It would make possession of 20 grams or less a violation of city code carrying a $50 fine for first-time offenders.
The Orlando Sentinel reports (http://bit.ly/1qUzQR3 ) that some opponents are concerned the new ordinance would tarnish Orlando's family-friendly image. Supporters say minor pot arrests waste the time of police and courts and leave a harmful lasting impact on those arrested.
Under the ordinance, officers could still make arrests for small amounts of pot possession depending on the circumstances and the record of the offender.
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