Milwaukee council to look at slashing fine for marijuana

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Milwaukee aldermen are set to consider a big reduction in the municipal fine for carrying a small amount of marijuana.

The proposal would lower the maximum fine for possessing 25 grams of marijuana from $500 to $50. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports Alderman Nik Kovac is set to take the proposal to the full Milwaukee Common Council on Tuesday.

Kovac says the idea of the plan is to “make the fine so low that it wouldn’t be worth writing the ticket.” It was proposed earlier this year but stalled in a committee.

The proposal would keep the fine for smoking marijuana in public at $250 to $500.

A Wisconsin law that took effect last year gave local governments more leeway on laws regarding marijuana possession.