Starting Wednesday (June 22), simple possession of marijuana in New Orleans will carry far fewer consequences for repeat offenders.

Police have been able since 2010 to issue a court summons to someone caught for the first time with weed.

Now that option will extend to subsequent offenses. The City Council approved an ordinance in March that gives New Orleans police greater latitude on pot possession.

They are attempting to help police spend less time on minor crimes and keep low-level offenders out of the city's jail.

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Greg LaRose ~ NOLA.com ~