Cannabis Decriminalization Bill Approved in Hallandale Beach, Florida
Hallandale Beach, Florida has a population of 37,113 (2010 Census).
Lawmakers in Hallandale Beach, Florida have unanimously passed a measure that will establish an $100 fine for those caught possessing small amounts of cannabis. The vote comes just weeks after a similar proposal was approved in Miami-Dade, Florida’s largest county, and Miami Beach.
Under the new law, police will have the option of issuing a $100 fine to those caught possessing no more than 20 grams of cannabis, rather than arresting and prosecuting them. Under current law, the possession of up to 20 grams of cannabis is a misdemeanor which can result in a year-long prison sentence.
“[The measure] will allow police officers to focus their efforts on more serious forms of crime plaguing our streets, unclogging a criminal justice system too often bogged down with cases of minor marijuana possession,” saiys Hallandale Beach Commission Keith London, who introduced the measure.
The new law will go into effect on September 19th. Hallandale Beach Police Department announced that it will soon begin training officers on how the new measure works
– TheJointBlog