NEW ORLEANS — Getting caught with marijuana in Orleans Parish could hold less penalties than getting a parking or speeding ticket.

District A Councilwoman Susan Guidry is introducing an ordinance that would give New Orleans police officers more flexibility when deciding whether to arrest marijuana users or simply issue them a summons to appear in court.

Under the proposed municipal law change, a first-time offender could get off with a verbal warning. A second-time an offender could get a written warning, then a $50 fine the third time and any time after that it is a $100 fine.

Guidry said it will be at an officers discretion how to respond.

Click here to read the complete article

Casey Ferrand ~ WDSU.com ~