Crime & Safety
State Rep Wants Marijuana Town Hall
LaShawn K. Ford, sponsor of a bill that would decriminalize pot possession, looks for community feedback.
An Oak Park state representative is hoping to open up the discussion on changes to a state law that would decriminalize certain amounts of marijuana possession, according to Wednesday Journal.
LaShawn K. Ford (D-8th) introduced an amendment to the state's Cannabis Control Act that would have police leveling fines upon, not arresting, those found with up to one ounce of marijuana.
The amendment, House Bill 100, states "a person who knowingly possesses not more than 28.35 grams of any substance containing cannabis is guilty of a petty offense and shall be fined $500 for a first offense, $750 for a second offense, and $1,000 for a third or subsequent offense."
Find out what's happening in Oak Park-River Forestwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Though that bill remains stalled in the state legislature, Ford told Wednesday Journal he wants to open the issue for community discussion in the form of a town hall. A date and venue for the forum haven't been selected.
“If we can stop clogging up the courts and can reduce the number of people that become felons, I think that’s an issue worth pursuing,” Ford told the Journal.
Find out what's happening in Oak Park-River Forestwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Those comments echo Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, who told Chicago Reader last month she wants the Chicago Police Department to "stop arresting people for small amounts of drugs, because you're wasting our time."
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.