NEWBURYPORT - Sometimes a measure proposed in the chambers of the City Council can serve an educational purpose as well as a political one.

Brian Derrivan, a member of the council's Public Safety Committee, recently introduced an initiative to stiffen local penalties for possession of marijuana.

His proposal is still in committee, and, thus, no definitive language has been finalized, but under the initial proposal, a fine for possession in Newburyport would be increased to $300.

Since a statewide vote in 2008, possession of less than an ounce is a civil violation subject to a $100 fine if the individual is over the age of 18. If the person is under the age of 18, he or she must also perform 10 hours of community service and enroll in an anti-drug abuse program.

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