The Albuquerque City Council has voted in favor of decriminalizing the possession of small amounts of marijuana, but that action will likely face opposition from Mayor Richard Berry, who plans to veto the legislation.
The council voted 5-4 along party lines Monday in favor of making it a civil offense to possess up to an ounce of marijuana. They also adopted a resolution declaring marijuana a low enforcement priority for police.
But Mayor Richard has cited conflicts with state and federal law as reasons to veto the measure.
If enacted, the law would still be subject to discretion from Albuquerque police officers who could cite people under state law, which carries penalties of up to 15 days in jail and fines up to $100.
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Information from: Albuquerque Journal.
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