The City of Tampa passed a law on Thursday that will reduce the punishment for having cannabis within the limits set by the city. The city council allowed the ordinance with a vote of 5 to 1.
When people are found with 20 grams or less of cannabis, their punishments will be lessened.

“Today we have an opportunity to do what’s right and what’s good for the citizens of this community,” Councilman Frank Reddick stated.

The goal of the measure is to guide the youth who simply make mistakes in their life.

“What we’re attempting to do is put a stop to that pipeline to prison that affects so many of our young people, especially our young people of color,” said Councilwoman Lisa Montelione.

Before the measure, people were being charged with a misdemeanor if found with any type of cannabis. At the time, one could be incarcerated or even have their license revoked. Now, those found with 20 grams or less of marijuana will need to pay a citation, similar to a traffic ticket.

“I don’t feel what we did today is different than what a lot of cities are doing and as a country as we’re moving nationally,” Montelione added.

Ellen Snelling is a mother of three and believes that there should be a maximum amount of times that somebody can be given a citation. In order to support her point, she referenced her daughter’s fight with cannabis.

“Arrest is not the end of the world. My daughter was arrested; she went to juvenile drug court. She’s doing great today. She’s drug-free,” Snelling commented. “When somebody is using a substance that is addictive and can be abused, just paying a fine is not going to help them.”

Thanks to the ordinance, those who have 20 grams or less of cannabis will be given a $75 citation for the first offense and a $150 citation for the second offense.


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