Jacob Bell
New Member
Oak Park-River Forest, IL--An Oak Park state representative is hoping to open up the discussion on changes to a state law that would decriminalize certain amounts of marijuana possession, according to Wednesday Journal.
LaShawn K. Ford (D-8th) introduced an amendment to the state's Cannabis Control Act that would have police leveling fines upon, not arresting, those found with up to one ounce of marijuana.
The amendment, House Bill 100, states "a person who knowingly possesses not more than 28.35 grams of any substance containing cannabis is guilty of a petty offense and shall be fined $500 for a first offense, $750 for a second offense, and $1,000 for a third or subsequent offense."
Though that bill remains stalled in the state legislature, Ford told Wednesday Journal he wants to open the issue for community discussion in the form of a town hall. A date and venue for the forum haven't been selected.
"If we can stop clogging up the courts and can reduce the number of people that become felons, I think that's an issue worth pursuing," Ford told the Journal.
Those comments echo Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, who told Chicago Reader last month she wants the Chicago Police Department to "stop arresting people for small amounts of drugs, because you're wasting our time."
News Hawk- Jacob Ebel 420 MAGAZINE
Source: oakpark.patch.com
Author: Casey Cora
Contact: Contact Us
Copyright: Patch
Website: State Rep Wants Marijuana Town Hall
LaShawn K. Ford (D-8th) introduced an amendment to the state's Cannabis Control Act that would have police leveling fines upon, not arresting, those found with up to one ounce of marijuana.
The amendment, House Bill 100, states "a person who knowingly possesses not more than 28.35 grams of any substance containing cannabis is guilty of a petty offense and shall be fined $500 for a first offense, $750 for a second offense, and $1,000 for a third or subsequent offense."
Though that bill remains stalled in the state legislature, Ford told Wednesday Journal he wants to open the issue for community discussion in the form of a town hall. A date and venue for the forum haven't been selected.
"If we can stop clogging up the courts and can reduce the number of people that become felons, I think that's an issue worth pursuing," Ford told the Journal.
Those comments echo Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, who told Chicago Reader last month she wants the Chicago Police Department to "stop arresting people for small amounts of drugs, because you're wasting our time."
News Hawk- Jacob Ebel 420 MAGAZINE
Source: oakpark.patch.com
Author: Casey Cora
Contact: Contact Us
Copyright: Patch
Website: State Rep Wants Marijuana Town Hall
