NSB Considers Fining People Caught With 20 Grams Or Less Of Marijuana

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New Smyrna Beach, FL - During Tuesday's meeting, the New Smyrna Beach (NSB) City Commission will vote on an ordinance that would let law enforcement officers issue a citation to people in possession of 20 grams or less of marijuana, rather than arrest them.

If the ordinance is adopted, anyone found in possession of 20 grams of marijuana or less could be fined $103 as an alternative to being sent to jail. However, the decision to use the ordinance instead of the state law is solely up to the officer in the field and will be based on the circumstances. Florida law currently charges anyone with possession of 20 grams or less of marijuana with a misdemeanor that is punishable by jail time.

In theory, adoption of this ordinance would help reduce the number of people being charged under state law for minor non-violent violations and it would help to reduce the local jail population.

Even though the proposed ordinance was approved by commissioners at the last meeting (on March 28, 2017) with a vote of 3-2, the ordinance did not get finalized and was still up for discussion. The final reading and vote will be held during the April 11 meeting.

The Volusia County Council passed their version of this ordinance last year by a 7-0 vote. You can find that story here.

If New Smyrna Beach follows in the footsteps of Volusia County and votes yes, the ordinance will take effect immediately.

Photo courtesy of shutterstock.com and David Carillet.

Copyright Southern Stone Communications 2017.