Decriminalizing Pot Possession Advances in Philly, But Conflicts Could Stymie City Law

A bill gaining traction in Philadelphia City Council would make possessing small quantities of marijuana only a civil violation, with a $25 fine. Councilman Jim Kenney says Philly police spend about 17,000 hours annually to process those arrested with less than an ounce of weed and it disproportionately affects minorities. However, there is no guarantee that other law enforcement agencies in the city would follow suit.