Punishment for smoking Marijuana in public relaxed in DC

Posted by Sagar Satapathy on September 24, 2018.

In a major relief, People caught smoking marijuana in public will not be arrested anymore but will get a citation in the nation’s capital as a new policy has been adopted.

DC Mayor Muriel Bowser and Metropolitan Police Chief Peter Newsham announced the policy change from Friday with immediate effect.

As per the initiative 71, which was passed in 2014, people in the district were allowed to have 2 ounces of marijuana, and give away 1 ounce. But, it had restricted selling and smoking of marijuana in public.

However, now, enforcement of that last portion of the law has changed following which arrests for public consumption will now be “noncustodial.”

DC officials say those caught smoking marijuana outside will receive a citation.

Those who qualify to receive a citation must go to a police station for booking within 15 days and will either pay a $25 fine or go to court.

Some people including minors, people with outstanding warrants and those who police think won’t answer the citation, will not be eligible for citations.

Currently, people are allowed to possess 2 ounces (57 grams) of marijuana in the district.

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