Local Group Praises Philadelphia's New Pot Decriminalization Law
By Mike Dunn
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - This past week brought a watershed moment for members of PhillyNORML -- the local group fighting for the legalization of marijuana.
A handful of members of PhillyNORML were on hand as Mayor Nutter signed into law a bill that takes possession of small amounts of pot out of the court room.
The new law does not make pot legal, but it does make possession of an ounce or less a civil rather than criminal penalty. Among those watching in glee was Jay Lassiter, a member of the board of directors of PhillyNORML. He said the law simply catches up to public opinion:
"The debate has been settled in the court of public opinion a long time ago. And frankly the City Council -- and I haven't always been a fan of them -- but they came together and did something that the city (populace) supports. And I think its going to be really good policy. I think its quite refreshing."
The new law makes possession of an ounce or less of pot punishable by a $25 fine, with a civil citation and no criminal record. Anyone actually spotted by police smoking in public with an ounce or less will face a $100 fine, which can be waived with six hours of community service.
Lassiter believes this approach reflects a more mature societal attitude toward pot:
"We are having a real world, grown-up conversation in this country finally about cannabis. And that's what this debate has prompted. And I think that's a really good message to send to our youth. For a long time we've sort of substituted punitive, coercive tactics instead of having real world grown up conversation with our kids. And frankly this shows that we're adults and can handle adult things. Our kids will give us some credibility for that."
Lassiter is not optimistic that NORML -- the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws -- will see similarly progressive moves from state lawmakers in Harrisburg:
"I think Harrisburg is the merriest band of incompetent fools I've ever seen in action. And I can't imagine them being inspired by this (Philadelphia law) or by anything, frankly. And that's a disappointment."
The police department will begin formal enforcement of the new law on October 20th.
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