Rahm Emanuel supports decriminalizing possession of small amounts of marijuana. Rahm: Reduce pot penalties

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel is backing a plan to decriminalize possession of small amounts of marijuana, according to a report.

If City Council agrees, those caught with 15 grams of marijuana or less would be given a fine from between $100 and $500, reports the Chicago Sun-Times.


The mayor said Thursday that the change in the law “allows us to observe the law while reducing the processing time for minor possession of marijuana — ultimately freeing up police officers for the street.”

The former White House chief of staff issued the release while he was abroad in Prague for his daughter’s Bat Mitzvah.

At present, those who are caught with small amounts of marijuana can be charged with a misdemeanor, punishable by up to six months in jail and a $1,500 fine.

Last year, 18,298 arrests were made for the possession of less than 10 grams of marijuana, reports the Sun-Times.

This article tagged under: Rahm Emanuel