Philly! Maryland!

Marijuana prohibition continues to crumble!  

Philadelphia becomes largest US city to decriminalize marijuana

Philadelphia has decriminalized small amounts of marijuana in the city, reducing penalties for possession and public use to minor fines and community service. The move makes Philadelphia the largest city in the United States to decriminalize pot.

Mayor Michael Nutter signed the legislation on Wednesday, making the possession of 30 grams or less a civil offense. Though the law, which will go into effect on Oct. 20, does not legalize marijuana in the city.

Those found in possession of 30 grams or less of marijuana will be cited and fined $25. Smoking pot in public can result in a citation and a $100 fine, or nine hours of community service, according to The Inquirer. Possessing more than 30 grams is still a criminal offense in the city, and anyone caught with marijuana who cannot show identification will still be arrested.

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New Md. Law Decriminalizes Marijuana

Possessing a small amount of marijuana will no longer come with jail time.

The law went into effect Wednesday, making it just a civil violation for people who are found with less than 10 grams of marijuana.

It’s a controversial topic that has both sides speaking up.

In April, Maryland became the 18th state to decriminalize the possession of marijuana and it was met with a fiery response from the Maryland State House.

Under the law, possession of 10 grams or less is not a criminal offense. Instead, it is a civil violation with a fine of up to $100.

A second offense for possession of less than 10 grams of marijuana is $250 and a third offense is $500.

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and by the way, the states of Alaska and Oregon, as well as the District of Columbia, will vote on legalization proposals in November.