Chicago mulls ticket for small pot amounts

CHICAGO, Oct. 28 (UPI) -- Some Chicago aldermen say they want the city and neighboring towns to decriminalize the possession of small amounts of marijuana.

Under a move promoted by the aldermen and by Cook County Commissioner John Fritchey, police would issue a $200 citation to someone suspected of carrying 10 grams or less of marijuana rather than make an arrest on a misdemeanor charge, the Chicago Sun-Times reported Friday.

"We want to make it clear -- we're not approving the smoking of pot," 30th ward Alderman Ariel Reboyras told the Chicago Sun-Times Friday. "What we're asking is the police to make the right decision when someone has 10 grams or less in their possession -- simply write them a ticket and let them go. That police officer will stay working on his beat."

"We can better use our resources in the streets," Reboyras said of the time and money spent on an arrest.

There could also be a financial benefit for the city, another alderman said.

"If we are collecting $200 every time somebody is caught with 10 grams or less of marijuana that is a potential revenue that this city and this county can potentially use," Andy Solis of the city's 25th Ward said.