Chicago decriminalizes carrying “small amounts” of marijuana

In which the Windy City becomes the latest to recalibrate its approach to marijuana users:

The Chicago City Council Wednesday voted 43-2 to decriminalize possession of small amounts of marijuana.

The new policy gives police the option to issue a ticket for possession of 15 grams of marijuana or less. Arrests would still be mandated for anyone caught smoking pot in public or possessing marijuana in or near a school or in or near a park

[…]

Supporters of the ordinance, including Mayor Rahm Emanuel, said issuing tickets frees up cops for more serious crime and ultimately will save the police department about $1 million.

I know I should be used to it, but it’s nonetheless astonishing just how much time, effort and money is wasted every year on such complete silliness as the utterly futile battle to police what people can or cannot put into their own bodies.

Meanwhile, let it never be said that I ever let a chance go by without throwing y’all a morsel of prohibitionist idiocy to chew on:

Ald. Roberto Maldonado (26th) said that as the father of three young children, he fears the ordinance will spike marijuana use. He said he doesn't want his kids growing up thinking marijuana use is as bad as running a stop sign.

Indeed. Endangering other motorists and pedestrians is far worse than eating vanilla pretzels while stinking up your dorm or living room.

(via @BreakingNews)

Tags: Chicago, IL • Rahm Emanuel • marijuana • pot • Roberto Maldonado