JACKSON — Mississippi’s capital city is planning to reduce penalties for possession of small amounts of marijuana.
The Jackson City Council voted Tuesday to decriminalize possession of 30 grams or less of the drug. The Clarion Ledger reports jail time will be prohibited, and fines will be reduced to $100.
WLBT-TV reports the change is set to take effect in one month.
Mississippi law sets penalties of up to three years in prison and a $3,000 fine for possession of 30 grams or less of marijuana.
It was not immediately clear whether Mississippi cities are allowed to set smaller penalties for drug possession.
Jackson City Councilman De’Keither Stamps says strict penalties turn users into criminals.
In 2016, the New Orleans City Council eased penalties for possession of small amounts of marijuana.
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