One of the only agenda items on the Nov. 5 meeting of the Fayetteville City Council will be the second reading and likely adoption of the city’s new marijuana ordinance, designed to eliminate jail time and restructure fines.
The new marijuana ordinance is designed to restructure fines and eliminate jail time for possession of less than an ounce, and comes with the requirement for attendance in a substance abuse program for those under age 21.
“Our goal is to reduce the amount of people that are incarcerated for possessing one ounce or less of marijuana, thus reducing the stigma of having this type of conviction on an individual’s record. This is one of the agenda items we discussed at the council retreat this year as a goal and objective for the city and the police department,” Fayetteville Police Chief Scott Gray said at the Oct. 13 meeting and in an Aug. 4 letter.
Divided into three sections based on age, the ordinance specifies:
– Minor: Under the age of 18 – First offense: $125 fine, court date required with a parent or legal guardian present and requirement to attend a city-approved 8- hour substance abuse prevention/intervention program to be provided by an organization within Fayette County.
In addition to this program, each individual will receive an assessment to determine if they meet any of the criteria for a cannabis use disorder. Those individuals who do meet such criteria would receive a voluntary referral to a state-certified substance use disorder treatment program.
Second and third offenses within 365 days of original offense – 2nd fine of $250, 3rd offense of $500; on the 2nd and 3rd offenses, $150 can be refundable upon successful completion of a substance abuse program or class with an organization within Fayette County.
Additional offenses during the 365-day period will result in a $500 fine, non-refundable.
– Adult: Under the age of 21 – First offense: $125 fine, court date required and requirement to attend a city-approved 8-hour substance abuse prevention/intervention program to be provided by an organization within Fayette County.
In addition to this program, each individual will receive an assessment to determine if they meet any of the criteria for a cannabis use disorder. Those individuals who do meet such criteria would receive a voluntary referral to a state-certified substance use disorder treatment program.
Second and third offenses within 365 days of original offense – 2nd offense fine of $250, 3rd offense of $500; on the 2nd and 3rd offenses, $150 can be refundable upon successful completion of a substance abuse program or class with an organization within Fayette County.
Additional offenses during the 365-day period will result in $500 fine, non-refundable.
– Adult: Age 21 or older – First offense: $125 fine, no court date required. Second and third offenses within 365 days of the original offense – 2nd offense fine of $250, 3rd offense fine of $500; on the 2nd and 3rd offenses, $150 can be refundable upon successful completion of a court-approved substance abuse program or class provided by an organization within Fayette County.
In addition to this program, each individual will receive an assessment to determine if they meet any of the criteria for a cannabis use disorder. Those individuals who do meet such criteria would receive a voluntary referral to a state-certified substance use disorder treatment program.
Additional offenses during the 365-day period will result in a $500 fine, non-refundable.
Very interesting has there been any further news?
As a God-fearing man I’ve always been disgusted that we fight the “herb yielding seed”. Its a great medicine that we’ve always known about but I guess big Pharma and the legal system see a big opportunity for $$$ over the health and welfare of the citizens.
Bravo Fayetteville! Next up, we should regulate and tax and bring in some respectable revenue.