Columbus council OKs reduced penalties for marijuana possession

COLUMBUS (AP) — Columbus City Council approved legislation to reduce some penalties for possession of marijuana.

Council members voted unanimously Monday to lower the fine for having up to 100 grams (4 ounces) of marijuana or paraphernalia to $10 dollars. The legislation will reduce the penalty for possessing between 100 and 200 grams (7.05 ounces) to a $25 fine with no jail time.

Possessing less than 100 grams under state law carries a $150 fine, while the penalty for between 100 and 200 grams is $250 and up to 30 days in jail.

Council President Shannon Hardin said that in Columbus, “we are going to treat marijuana enforcement fairly.”

No one spoke against the changes at the council meeting.