Charleston Passes Bill Reducing Marijuana Possession Fines, Eliminates Jail Time for First Offense

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On Monday night, the Charleston City Council passed Bill 8039, which significantly reduces the penalties for simple marijuana possession within the city. The new ordinance eliminates the monetary fine for a first offense of possessing up to 15 grams of marijuana, marking a significant shift in how the city handles minor drug offenses.

Councilman Chad Robinson, who played a key role in crafting the bill, emphasized that the legislation does not legalize or decriminalize marijuana but simply adjusts the penalties. "This does not legalize marijuana, it does not decriminalize marijuana. This only adjusts the penalties of simple possession of 15 grams of marijuana in Charleston," Robinson stated during the council meeting.

The bill's passage was not without controversy. Some council members expressed concern that the reduction in penalties could send the wrong message, particularly to younger residents. Councilmember Shannon Snodgrass highlighted this issue, saying, "We just gave a proclamation about drug addiction on the very night that we’re trying to make this even more lenient."

Despite these concerns, the bill was seen by many as a positive step. Corey Zinn, a community organizer, acknowledged the bill as a compromise but noted that it still represents progress. "Granted, I’m pretty happy with some of what’s in the compromised bill but it could be so much lower. We could see no jail, no fines for anyone, whether you’ve committed this supposed crime once, twice, three times, or more," Zinn said.

Bill Kimmons, a local resident, voiced his support for the bill and urged West Virginia to adopt more progressive policies. "I think it would benefit the state, I think it would attract young people to come here, and we’re one of the states that are losing more people than any other state," Kimmons remarked.

Under the new ordinance, while the first offense carries no fine, subsequent offenses will incur fines—up to $250 for a second offense and up to $500 for a third. The ordinance will officially take effect in five days.

The passage of Bill 8039 marks a significant change in Charleston's approach to marijuana possession, reflecting broader discussions on drug policy reform within the city.