Marathon Considers Decriminalizing Small Amounts Of Pot
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MARATHON (CBSMiami/AP) -- The city of Marathon is considering joining Key West and Islamorada in giving law enforcement the option to issue a civil citation rather than make a misdemeanor arrest for someone caught with up to 20 grams of marijuana.
The Keynoter reports that Marathon city councilors are considering the measure. One official said it would allow Monroe County Sheriff's Office deputies more time to address serious crimes and save taxpayer money by not putting people through the county legal system.
Earlier this week, Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn signed an ordinance decriminalizing marijuana. The new law allows police officers to fine rather than arrest offenders found with up to 20 grams, roughly three-quarters of an ounce, of marijuana.
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