Monona City Council tables $1 pot fine ordinance to March

debated the proposal to amend the city’s cannabis possession ordinance and adopt a $1 fine plus costs for those over 21 found in possession.

Madison NORML’s Nate Petreman reports a strong turnout from supporters, with only one opponent speaking against and another registering against, compared to five speaking in favor and at least as many registering in support." data-share-imageurl="https://www.cannabadger.com/sites/default/files/field/image/p1090211-monobna-cb-672x372_0.jpg">

Posted: February 21, 2017 by Gary Storck
Category: Decriminalization

On Monday Feb. 20 the Monona city council listened to public testimony and debated the proposal to amend the city’s cannabis possession ordinance and adopt a $1 fine plus costs for those over 21 found in possession.

Madison NORML’s Nate Petreman reports a strong turnout from supporters, with only one opponent speaking against and another registering against, compared to five speaking in favor and at least as many registering in support.

One supporter discussed how cannabis helped him break free of heroin addiction and stay clean for nine years. The opponent who spoke against was the same individual who rambled on at the tumultuous Feb. 2016 PSC meeting where the proposal was tabled on a 5-4 vote. He was eventually cut off after rambling on again. Monona Police Chief Wally Ostrenga spoke against the proposal with his position being strongly challenged by Alder Chad Speight and other alders in support of the measure.

However, alders could not pin down the final language and tabled the discussion until their next meeting March 20. They apparently will consider the language and amendments and possibly vote on the measures then.

Please mark your calendars and plan to attend March 20 so this can hopefully finally become a done deal.