In a move that supporters claimed would give police more crime-fighting powers, City Council passed an ordinance Wednesday to make possession of small amounts of marijuana punishable by fines and jail time.

For first-time offenders, the measure makes the possession of less than 200 grams a fourth-degree misdemeanor, with maximum penalties of 30 days in jail and a $250 fine. Subsequent offenses would be a first-degree misdemeanor, with maximum penalties of six months in jail and a $1,000 fine.

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