ST. LOUIS • Marijuana smokers in the city will soon get a break. Â
The Board of Aldermen voted 22 to 3 in favor of reducing the penalty for possession of small amounts of marijuana in the city to that of a traffic ticket.Â
The law, which was introduced earlier this year by Alderman Shane Cohn, gives police officers the option to redistribute some marijuana cases to the municipal court system, essentially making a criminal infraction a municipal offense. Violators would typically be given a summons to appear in municipal court instead of handcuffed and put in the back of a police car. Police currently charge marijuana offenders under more harsh state laws because no local law is on the books.Â
"I think this is a good step for the city of St. Louis," Cohn said. "It doesn't legalize marijuana, but it gives fairness." Â Â
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Right now, under that state law, first offenders who are caught with a small amount of marijuana — from a gram to 35 grams— is given a misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail and a $1,000 fine. A second offense for possession of more than 35 grams is considered a felony.
The penalty for a violation of the proposed city ordinance would be a $100-$500 fine.
The law will go into force on June 1. Â
John Payne, executive director of Show-Me Cannabis Regulation, a pro-legalization group, said he was pleased with the vote and hopes it leads to legalization in Missouri.Â
"The state has some of the most draconian laws in the nation," Payne said. Â