Pubdate: Thu, 30 Mar 2006 Source: Cincinnati Enquirer (OH) Copyright: 2006 The Cincinnati Enquirer Contact: http://enquirer.com/editor/letters.html Website: http://enquirer.com/today/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/86 Author: Dan Klepal, staff writer Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis) CITY OKS JAIL TIME FOR POT The consequence of getting caught with a joint - or any amount of marijuana less than 100 grams - just became more serious in Cincinnati. City Council voted, 6-2, to increase the penalty for possessing a small amount of marijuana. Under the old law, it was a minor misdemeanor that brought a ticket and a $100 fine. As of today, it's a fourth-degree misdemeanor that now means immediate arrest - along with a maximum penalty of 30 days in jail and a $250 fine. A second offense is now a first-degree misdemeanor, punishable by a maximum penalty of six months in jail and a $1,000 fine. At four hearings held by City Council, no one spoke in favor of the law, but dozens spoke out against it - and more would have opposed it but for fears of admitting they smoke marijuana now, opponents said. "There are thousands who would like to be here," said Lynne Wilson, 46, of East Price Hill, "but it's against the law." Two council members, Chris Bortz and Leslie Ghiz, said they struggled to decide how to vote. "Because of the jail space problem, this probably will not be effective," Ghiz said. Both voted "yes" only after a one-year sunset clause was added, which means the tougher law will expire in 12 months unless a majority of council votes to extend it. Council members David Crowley and Jim Tarbell voted against the law, calling it "regressive." The bill's author, former Police Officer Cecil Thomas, said the idea is to get offenders in the system so court-ordered probation or drug treatment can track them. "We want to have some control over those young people standing on the corners, with an amount just under the limit that (today) will only bring them a ticket," he said. The law takes effect immediately. - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin