Florida: Miami-Dade County Decriminalizes Marijuana Possession

MIAMI, FL — County commissioners in Florida’s largest county voted Tuesday to allow police the option of issuing a civil violation instead of arresting an offender caught possessing small amounts of marijuana.

On a vote of 10-3, Miami-Dade County Commissioners approved the measure, which will give police officers the option of issuing a $100 civil violation to offenders caught possessing 20 grams or less of marijuana, essentially treating the marijuana possession as they do other minor offenses such as littering or loitering.  Those offenders who can not afford to pay the $100 fine can elect to provide two days of community service instead.

Supporters of the ordinance said the new approach to handling minor marijuana possession offenses will free up police…