Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Orlando Closer To Decriminalizing Small Amounts Of Marijuana

Samples of medical marijuana shown on display
Wikimedia Commons
/
The Florida Channel
Leon County Judge John Cooper on June 30, 2022, in a screen grab from The Florida Channel.

The city of Orlando is a step closer to decriminalizing possession of small amounts of marijuana, which other cities around Florida have done.

The city council's 4-3 vote Monday in favor clears the measure for a final decision May 9. It would make possession of 20 grams or less a violation of city code carrying a $50 fine for first-time offenders.
The Orlando Sentinel reported that some opponents are concerned the new ordinance would tarnish Orlando's family-friendly image. Supporters said minor pot arrests waste the time of police and courts and leave a harmful lasting impact on those arrested.

Under the ordinance, officers could still make arrests for small amounts of pot possession depending on the circumstances and the record of the offender.