Lawmakers in Orlando, Florida Pass Cannabis Decrim Bill, to Take Effect October 1st
A bill to establish a ticket for the possession of up to 20 grams of cannabis has been passed by the City Council of Orlando, Florida (4 to 3). The proposal is supported by Mayor Buddy Dyer and Police Chief John Mina.
Under the new law, which will take effect on October 1st, law enforcement will have the option of issuing an $100 civil citation (ticket) for those caught possessing up to 20 grams of cannabis if it’s their first offense; the ticket would be $200 for second offenses, and $500 for subsequent offenses.
Under current Orlando law, the possession of up to 20 grams of cannabis is a misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in prison.
The law is similar to ordinances recently passed in Miami-Dade, Florida’s largest county, as well as Broward County, Palm Beach County, Volusia County, Key West, West Palm Beach, Hallandale Beach and Tampa.
