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Orlando City Council votes to decriminalize small amounts of pot

ORLANDO, Fla. — A proposal to ease the penalties for possessing small amounts of marijuana in Orlando passed on a 4-3 vote Monday.

Orlando City Council members tweaked some terms of the controversial ordinance before it was passed.

The measure will make it a city code violation for possessing 20 grams or less of pot.

The ordinance was originally written so that a first violation would mean a $50 fine, but on Monday, leaders changed the fines for first and second offenders to $100 and $200.

“This change in policy will help us protect the futures of our young people while allowing our officers to more efficiently utilize resources,” said Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer in a statement.

Currently, possessing less than 20 grams of pot is a criminal misdemeanor and carries a punishment of up to a year in jail and a fine up to $1,000.

The new version will also allow first and second offenders to take a substance abuse education program instead of paying fines.

Fine revenues will be used to support substance abuse education.

“It would help a lot of lower and middle-income families out here have a second chance. We keep seeing the same things over and over again, and it’s not working, so we need to make a change with the policy,” said Korey Wheeler of Organize Now.

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Supporters for the change said the punishment should fit the crime.

"This will give our officers an option so that that person's life won't be ruined by a criminal record," said Chief John Mina of the Orlando Police Department.

Under the proposed change, the penalties would increase with repeated violations; a second violation doubles the fine, while a court appearance is required on a third offense.

“I have come in contact with individuals who have had to abandon their dream of a college education because of a cannabis arrest or possession,” said supporter Erik Range. “And so we feel today’s efforts will go a long way.”

The change would also save taxpayers money, officials said.

Opponents worried the new rule would encourage drug use and lead to more crime, but it was mostly supporters of the ordinance at Monday’s meeting.

Orlando resident Ezell Harris said he’s mainly worried the rule will lead to more youth using drugs.

“We want them to keep drugs out of their system. But the city of Orlando says as long as you carry small amounts, you’ll be alright,” said Harris.

Westgate Resorts founder David Siegel, who lost his daughter to a drug overdose, believes the ordinance doesn’t go far enough.

“I don’t believe it’s there yet. I would rather see a more stiff penalty and include counseling rather than pay the money and then go on and get some more marijuana,” Siegel said.

The ordinance will take effect in October.