Pittsburgh councilman to present pot decriminalization bill
PITTSBURGH (AP) – A Pittsburgh city councilman wants to decriminalize possession of small amounts marijuana.
City Councilman Daniel Lavelle is expected to introduce legislation on Tuesday. It would give city police the ability to fine people found to be in possession of less than 30 grams of marijuana or eight grams of hashish.
The ordinance sets a civil fine of up to $100 and lets police seize the drugs. It would not supersede state law.
Lavelle, who chairs the council’s Public Safety Committee, could not be reached for comment on Monday.
He said in a release that the bill will help end the consequences of unemployment, lack of education, and being stuck in the criminal justice system.