(Reuters) - The Chicago City Council on Wednesday is expected to vote to decriminalize possession of
small amounts of marijuana, the latest U.S. city to support diminished penalties for the drug's use.
Under the proposal, police officers in the nation's third-largest city would be able to issue a written violation
for possession of 15 grams or less rather than make an arrest.
Supporters of the ordinance, including Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, said the measure would help
raise revenue for the city, save money and free up police to pursue more serious crimes.
More than a dozen states and several large U.S. cities have already taken similar steps.
Chicago Police Department statistics indicate that last year there were 18,298 arrests for possession of
less than 10 grams of marijuana, according to a statement from the mayor's office. Each case involves
approximately four officers - two arresting and two transporting officers - and places an additional burden
on the Cook County court and jail system, the statement said.
Chicago may decriminalize small amount of marijuana possession | Reuters
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