Philadelphia marijuana law
Legislation signed by Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter on Oct. 1, 2014, went into effect Oct. 20, 2014, reducing the penalty to $25 for possession of up to 30 grams of marijuana. (AP File Photo)
A law allowing Philadelphia police to ticket people for possession of small amounts of marijuana rather than arresting them has gone into effect.
While possession of marijuana remains illegal in the city, having up to 30 grams, or a little more than an ounce, will result in a citation and a $25 fine.
Public use of small amounts of marijuana will garner the stiffer penalty of a citation along with a $100 fine or up to nine hours of community service.
Police will also confiscate the drug. The city notes that other law enforcement authorities can still arrest people in Philadelphia for possession of any amount of marijuana.
The legislation was signed by Mayor Michael Nutter on Oct. 1 and went into effect Monday, months after a previous version of the law was passed by the City Council.
Advocates compare the citations to parking tickets and say the change will prevent violators from having arrest records.
Philadelphia marijuana law: $25 fine for an ounce, but it will be seized
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