City Council Votes to Adopt Marijuana Ordinance With Plans to Amend It
By: KOLR10 Newsroom
Updated: August 27, 2012
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- City Council voted 6-3 to adopt a marijuana ordinance, opting not to send it to voters in November. Leaders plan to amend the ordinance to lessen marijuana possession penalties.
The initiative requests an amendment to an existing ordinance (read more) that lessens penalties for misdemeanor possession (35 grams or less) amount of marijuana. The most severe penalty would be a fine up to $150.
Follow Up: Marijuana Petition Certified by City of Springfield
Two Hot-Button Issues Draw Large Crowds to City Council Meeting
The initiative requests an amendment to an existing ordinance (read more) that lessens penalties for misdemeanor possession (35 grams or less) amount of marijuana. The most severe penalty would be a fine up to $150.
"If this passes, we will have more controls on alcohol and tobacco than we do on a schedule 1 controlled substance," said Councilwoman Cindy Rushefsky. "I am not going to support this bill."
"I will be voting in support with the intent of turning around and working out the amendment," said Councilman Tommy Bieker.
"I'm going to support passing, and then gutting,
the entire ordinance," added Councilman Jeff Seifried. "This is the
fiscally responsible way to do business."
City Council has 30 days to work out the details and set a start date.
Earlier in the meeting, Council voted to table a nondiscrimination ordinance. Click here to read more on that issue.
Follow Up: Marijuana Petition Certified by City of Springfield
Two Hot-Button Issues Draw Large Crowds to City Council Meeting
