Tampa City Council discussing decriminalizing marijuana

Currently in Tampa, Florida, possession of small amounts of marijuana can get your license suspended, land you a year in a jail, and a fine of $1,000. Families and Legislators alike are seeing the negatives of these harsh penalties and have proposed to decriminalize the plant. If passed, first time offenders would receive a fine of $75, and a larger fine for each additional offense up to $450. The vote is expected to take place March 17 and if passed would go into effect immediately. 

"As a parent, I suggest this is about giving our youth and our community a second chance," said Dottie Groover-Skipper. "For a first-time offender to be arrested is not the answer."

Under the ordinance, instead of being arrested, first-time offenders would be fined $75, a second-time offender $150, third-timers $300. The penalty would max-out at $450 for fourth and further offenses.