FLORIDA: Hallandale Lawmakers have unanimously passed a bill for marijuana decriminalization. Miami- Dade started the trend with Miami Beach, Key West and now Hallandale Beach has followed suit.
Police will have the option to fine individuals $100 if caught with a 20 grams or less of marijuana instead of jail time.
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FLORIDA: Hallandale Beach is officially the first city in Broward County that will punish marijuana violations with a fine instead of an arrest.
On Wednesday night, Hallandale Beach Commissioners unanimously approved a new measure that will make marijuana possession a civil offense rather than a criminal one. Anyone caught with 20 grams of pot or less will be fined $100 rather than be arrested.
The law is expected to go into effect on September 19. In the meantime, the Hallandale Beach Police Department will train officers on how the new measure works. Hallandale Beach follows Miami-Dade’s footsteps in passing the measure. In July, Miami-Dade passed a measure that will allow Miami cops the option to issue a citation to anyone caught with 20 grams or less of marijuana. Miami-Dade’s new law will also fine a person $100 rather than arresting them.