Evanston Mayor Proposes Mellowing Of Pot Possession Penalty

via Jonathan Bullington, Chicago Tribune

Evanston Mayor Elizabeth Tisdahl thinks anyone caught with 10 grams or less of pot does not intend to sell it, and so should only be ticketed and fined — not jailed.

She recently asked the city’s legal department to draft an ordinance that lightens the penalty for anyone possessing small amounts of marijuana. Tisdahl said she wants to keep a young person’s criminal record from hindering employment.

A city committee will study the proposed ordinance once staff drafts it, Tisdahl said.

“I do not want young people in Evanston who do not have access to high-powered attorneys to have arrest records for possessing less than 10 grams,” Tisdahl said in an email. “I want them to have jobs. A ticket and a fine will suffice.”

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