Decriminalizing Marijuana: Is It A Good Idea?

TAMPA, FL — As the Tampa City Council prepares to move forward with an ordinance that would decriminalize the possession of 20 grams of marijuana or less in some cases, not everyone is happy with the idea.

At issue is an ordinance that would give law enforcement officers the ability to fine those caught with 20 grams or less of pot instead of hauling them off to jail. 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.

So far, Tampa’s plan has made it through one public hearing. The second and final hearing is set to take place March 17. If the new local law passes and gains Mayor Bob Buckhorn’s approval, those caught with 20 grams or less of cannabis or paraphernalia would only face civil penalties if possession happens to be “the only chargeable offense,” the city’s ordinance proposes.

See Also:

• Decriminalizing Marijuana On Tampa Council’s Radar

Citing concerns that arrests in such cases are “disproportionate to the severity of the offense,” the ordinance would attach a $75 fine to a first offense. Those caught twice would pay $150 and third-time offenders would face a $300 fine. Fourth and subsequent offenses would cost those caught $450.

While some are lauding the proposed ordinance, not everyone is thrilled with the prospect. Twenty grams adds up to about 40 rolled joints, Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri told The Tampa Tribune. He favors a countywide pre-arrest diversion program instead and fears that an ordinance that only covers a single city could result in confusion. The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office has similar reservations, the paper reported.

What are your thoughts on the proposal? Share them by commenting below!

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