A proposal to decriminalize small amounts of marijuana in Orlando passed its first reading Monday.The Orlando City Council passed the ordinance with a 4-3 vote. A second reading will be held in May.The measure would give Orlando police officers the option of issuing civil fines instead of making arrests for possession of 20 grams of marijuana or less. The fines would be $50 for first-time offenders and $100 for second-time offenders.>>Download the WESH 2 News app for iOS and AndroidMayor Buddy Dyer and Police Chief John Mina have both said officers often spend a lot of time and resources dealing with people who have a small amount of marijuana for personal use and then clogging up the court system with arrests.Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs said she is concerned about distinguishing county and city boundaries.Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings said he is not opposed to the plan.

A proposal to decriminalize small amounts of marijuana in Orlando passed its first reading Monday.

The Orlando City Council passed the ordinance with a 4-3 vote. A second reading will be held in May.


The measure would give Orlando police officers the option of issuing civil fines instead of making arrests for possession of 20 grams of marijuana or less.

The fines would be $50 for first-time offenders and $100 for second-time offenders.

>>Download the WESH 2 News app for iOS and Android

Mayor Buddy Dyer and Police Chief John Mina have both said officers often spend a lot of time and resources dealing with people who have a small amount of marijuana for personal use and then clogging up the court system with arrests.

Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs said she is concerned about distinguishing county and city boundaries.

Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings said he is not opposed to the plan.