One Year In, Jim Kenney Calls Decriminalization Of Marijuana A Success
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Tuesday marks the first anniversary of the law decriminalizing marijuana in Philadelphia and arrest statistics show it's had the desired effect. Arrests for marijuana possession are down by more than 70 percent.
The law that took effect one year ago reduces simple possession of small amounts of marijuana to a summary offense. Larger amounts, and buying it or driving under the influence, are still criminal, but just about 1,000 people have been arrested for possession in the past year, compared to more than 3,000 annually before decriminalization.
Mayoral candidate Jim Kenney sponsored the law while he was in city council and calls it a success.
"Literally thousands of people are not in the criminal justice system over the activity that lots of people have done over the years and are not having themselves saddled with a criminal record," Kenney said.
Kenney says he opposes marijuana use, but arrests compounded the problem by keeping people from jobs, the military and financial aid for education.