City Officials Amend Bill Decriminalizing Marijuana

City officials have made amendments to a bill that would decriminalize -- not to be confused with legalize -- the possession and use of small amounts of marijuana.

“This bill will not legalize marijuana. Rather, it will decriminalize marijuana – which means that offenses involving small amounts of marijuana will result in a civil penalty, not an arrest or criminal record,” said Mayor Michael Nutter in a statement released after the amendments were made.

The original bill passed City Council in June with a veto-proof majority. Mayor Nutter announced that he would sign the bill earlier this week.

The bill's sponsor, Councilman Jim Kenney, says the bill calls for a $25 fine for people caught with less than an ounce of marijuana. He says the offense wouldn't go on the person's record, and he compared it to a parking ticket.

“Under this new policy, police officers will be able to remain focused on more serious offenses, and many young people will be spared the life-altering consequences of a criminal record, such as limited job prospects, inability to obtain student loans or even join the armed services," said Councilman Kenney.

A person caught with 30 grams or less of marijuana will receive a ticket and $25 fine. Someone caught smoking a small amount of pot -- 30 grams or less -- in public will be ticketed and receive a $100 fine or community service, according to the amended agreement.

The law would go into effect Oct. 20, after the amendments are added to the bill, according to a spokesperson for the Mayor's office.