Philadelphia marijuana law 2014 has been passed by Mayor Michael Nutter. The law officially downgrades the sentence for users caught with marijuana 30 grams or less to a civil offense that is comparable to that of a traffic ticket. Yet, those caught with more than 30 grams of weed is still a criminal offense and may lead to arrest.
The City of Brotherly Love has passed the Philadelphia marijuana law 2014 but it won't be until October 20 for the law to take effect. While the Philadelphia marijuana law 2014 does not necessarily legalize pot, it would only reduce the penalties marijuana public use and possession of 30 grams or less.
Those caught with marijuana 30 grams or less will be given the fine of $25 whereas those caught publicly smoking weed will be given the fine of $100. Aside from the $100 dollar fine, another penalty would be 9 hours of community service.
Aside from the law decriminalizing weed 30 grams or less, the Philadelphia marijuana law 2014 still states that those possessing more than 30 grams would be penalized with a criminal offense. Those who are caught with more than 30 grams of marijuana may be arrested if no proper ID is given to police authorities. In addition to the Philadelphia marijuana law 2014, Mayor Michael Nutter is planning a campaign set to educate citizens about the law.
"Philadelphia voters and their elected officials are fed up with laws that criminalize people for possessing a substance that is less harmful than alcohol," stated legislative analyst for the Marijuana Policy Project, Rachelle Yeung. "They disproportionately impact communities of color and do nothing to make people safer. We applaud city officials for taking this important step toward a more sensible marijuana policy. It is time for the rest of the state to follow its lead."
Before the Philadelphia marijuana law 2014 was passed, the current law states that those in possession of weed will be fined $200, an arrest record and a course on drug abuse.
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