Pittsburgh to Consider Decriminalizing Marijuana

While Pennsylvania patients and activists struggle with the state legislature to get a viable medical marijuana bill introduced, one local government will consider removing criminal penalties for possession.

Associated Press reports:

[caption id="attachment_9364" align="alignright" width="215"] Councilman Daniel Lavelle (PHOTO: Hadley Pratt)[/caption]

[Pittsburgh] City Councilman Daniel Lavelle is expected to introduce legislation on Tuesday. It would give city police the ability to fine people found to be in possession of less than 30 grams of marijuana or eight grams of hashish.

The ordinance sets a civil fine of up to $100 and lets police seize the drugs. It would not supersede state law.

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He said in a release that the bill will help end the consequences of unemployment, lack of education, and being stuck in the criminal justice system.