COLUMBUS – There is one less buzzkill in Columbus.
City Council Monday night unanimously approved reducing penalties for possession of small amounts of marijuana while providing funds to seal records of those people convicted of minor offenses.
“This legislative package aims to create a more fair Columbus, especially for black residents disproportionately impacted by past drug policies,” said council president Shannon Hardin said in a statement.
The legislation is aimed at relaxing penalties which Hardin says disproportionately affect young black men who account for over 60 percent of the defendants charged with marijuana possession and possession while struggling with high unemployment and low wages.
Under the new ordinance, the punishment for possession of less than 100 grams of weed goes from a $150 fine to $10 and for possessing 100-200 grams from a $250 fine and 30 days in jail to $25 and no jail time. The minor misdemeanors do not create a criminal record for those fined.
The ordinances also help remove a barrier to employment by increasing funds for attorneys to help seal records for minor convictions.