Chicago decriminalizes possession of small amounts of marijuana

By Mary Wisniewski
 
(Reuters) – People caught with small amounts of marijuana in Chicago will be ticketed instead of arrested under a new ordinance passed by the city council on Wednesday, as the third largest U.S. city became the latest to support more lenient penalties for using the drug.
The council voted 43-3 in favor of the measure, which was backed by Mayor Rahm Emanuel.
Under the ordinance, police in Chicago can issue a written violation with a fine of between $250 and $500 for possession of 15 grams (0.5 ounces) of marijuana or less rather than make an arrest.
 
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http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/06/27/us-usa-crime-marijuana-chicago-idUSBRE85Q1FU20120627