Morgantown Lessens Penalties For Possessing Small Amounts Of Marijuana

A West Virginia city has voted to change its ordinance for marijuana possession.

Morgantown City County members voted unanimously Tuesday to modify the city’s law on possession of up to 15 grams of the drug, news outlets reported.

The change gives the Morgantown Police Department the discretion to forgo arresting someone caught with 15 grams or less and instead issue a fine of up to $15, officials said.

The change does not decriminalize marijuana and those in possession of the drug can still be charged with a misdemeanor, Deputy Mayor Rachel Fetty said.

The ordinance applies only to the Morgantown Police Department. It gives officers a choice of whether to follow the city rule or to follow state and federal law, she said.