Evanston Reduces Penalty for Pot Possession

People caught with less than 10 grams of marijuana in Evanston will get a ticket, instead of jail time

Evanston has passed an ordinance that will soften the punishment for people caught with small amounts of marijuana.

People who get caught with 10 grams or less of marijuana will now get a ticket instead of going to jail, according to the Chicago Tribune.

Mayor Elizabeth Tisdahl proposed the ordinance, which received unanimous approval from City Council on Monday.

Tisdahl said she hopes the change will keep a young person's criminal record from hurting a future job search.

Anyone caught with 10 grams or less of marijuana could be fined between $50 and $500.

Back in 2009, Cook County passed a similar ordinance in unincorporated areas.

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