Nutter set to sign bill, decriminalizing marijuana in Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- People caught carrying small amounts of marijuana could soon avoid a criminal record.

Mayor Michael Nutter and Councilman Jim Kenney spoke Wednesday about the law change that sets Philadelphia apart from many other cities in the country.

Tomorrow, Kenney will amend the bill - softening the penalties for possessing a small amount of marijuana. It will no longer be a crime, but there will be a fine to pay.

After taking the summer to consider the measure, the mayor has agreed to sign it.

Mayor Michael Nutter said, "That means it will now be a civil penalty and offenses involving a small amount of marijuana will not involve an arrest or a criminal record."

Now people will pay a fine of $25 for the possession of 30 grams or less of marijuana - a little less than an ounce.

Anyone caught smoking marijuana in public faces a $100 fine, which can be waived with about nine hours of community service.

Kenney said the current system disproportionately impacted African Americans, and arrest records were unfairly altering the course of young lives.

Councilman Kenney said, "4,200 people or so a year are being arrested in Philadelphia for this activity - a minimal activity. I think if you can reduce that down to practically nothing, all those folks will have a better future and a better chance than before."

Some citizens said they don't think there should be any penalty at all for possessing small amounts of marijuana - legalize it. But others told us they think possessing any marijuana should still be a crime.

Matthew Demarco of South Philadelphia said, "There's nothing wrong with a little bit of marijuana. It's not a huge deal in my opinion."

Logan resident William Adams says, "I don't think it's really a big deal unless they try to drive a truck or something, if they're responsible about it."

However, Tony Hampton of East Oak Lane tells us, "It sounds like it authorizes people to carry it anyway. I don't think they should have it period. That's just my opinion."

Police will confiscate the marijuana they find. This will all be processed through the municipal court system and there are still some kinks to work out.

The law is to go into effect in late October.