Recriminalization Of Marijuana Possession in Works In Sarasota: Report

SARASOTA, FL — Commissioners took the first steps to recriminalize possession of small amounts of marijuana in Sarasota on Monday, the Sarasota Herald-Tribune reported.

In 2020, the city commission decriminalized possession of less than 20 grams of cannabis or paraphernalia, instead making it punishable by a civil citation, WFTS reported. Those violating the law after this change had to pay a $100 fine or complete 10 hours of community service.

Since then, 90 percent of offenders haven’t paid the program’s fines, police told commissioners.

The commission voted 4-1 to ask the city attorney to draft an ordinance to repeal the civil citation program, according to reports.