Politics & Government
Bob Buckhorn Signs Ordinance Decriminalizing Marijuana Possession
The new Tampa law decriminalizes possession of 20 grams of marijuana or less. It will go into effect within the next two weeks.
TAMPA, FL — With the stroke of a pen, Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn gave local law enforcement officers the ability to fine people caught with small amounts of marijuana instead of hauling them off to jail.
Buckhorn on Monday signed an ordinance to decriminalize possession, the mayor's office confirmed. The ordinance was approved last week by the Tampa City Council.
The new ordinance will go into effect within the Tampa city limits within the next two weeks, said Tampa Police Department spokeswoman Andrea Davis.
Find out what's happening in Tampafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
“Emphasis on within,” said Davis. “We have to give just a little training to the officers and that will require both shift cycles.”
Once the new rules are officially in place, those caught with 20 grams or less of pot or paraphernalia may only face fines instead of criminal charges. The ordinance only applies if possession happens to be the “only chargeable offense,” according to the ordinance.
Find out what's happening in Tampafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
See Also:
Similar ordinances have been put into place in such Florida communities as Miami-Dade, Fernandina Beach and Miami Beach. The city of St. Petersburg is also considering a similar ordinance.
Citing concerns that arrests in such cases are “disproportionate to the severity of the offense,” the ordinance involves a $75 fine for a first offense. Those caught twice will pay $150 and third-time offenders will face a $300 fine. Fourth and subsequent offenses will cost those caught $450.
The ordinance does not have sway outside the city limits of Tampa. That means, for example, someone caught with 15 grams of marijuana in Brandon would still face criminal charges if caught by a law enforcement officer.
City Council members voted 5-1 last Thursday to approve the ordinance. Buckhorn’s signature was required for the new city statute to become official.
What are your thoughts on this? Share them by commenting below!
Image via Shutterstock
Sign up for the Tampa Patch newsletter and alerts!
Be sure to follow us on Facebook, too!
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
