Mayor Richard Berry says he has vetoed an Albuquerque City Council measure to decriminalize the possession of small amounts of marijuana.
The council voted 5-4 along party lines last week in favor of making it a civil offense to possess up to an ounce of marijuana, with Berry vowing to veto the legislation.
He vetoed the measure on Wednesday, saying he has a "hard time signing any legislation that preempts federal law" and that his oath of office requires him to uphold the Constitution.
State law for marijuana possession carries penalties of up to 15 days in jail and fines up to $100.
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