suntimes

Chicago pot facts

June 14, 2012 11:45PM

Updated: July 16, 2012 6:36AM



■ Currently, those caught with small amounts of marijuana face a misdemeanor charge punishable by up to six months in jail and a $1,500 fine. Possession of up to 30 grams of marijuana is considered a misdemeanor.

■ The mayor’s proposed ordinance would allow cops to issue a ticket with a fine ranging from $100 to $500. The tickets would apply to those caught with 15 grams of pot or less.

■ Emanuel’s proposal would have no effect on the harsher criminal penalties tied to possession of larger amounts of pot.

■ Last year, Chicago Police officers made 18,298 arrests for possession of less than 10 grams of marijuana.

■ For every 10 misdemeanor marijuana cases that went to court in cook County between 2006 and 2010, about nine cases were dropped, records show.




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