Police in the New Mexico's state capital appear to be largely ignoring a new city ordinance that decriminalizes possession of small amounts of marijuana.
Record show that Santa Fe police since November have been filing cases only under state statute in Magistrate Court.
After the Santa Fe council voted last summer to adopt the new ordinance, officers were given discretion to issue citations under either municipal or state law.
Those charged under state law face a criminal petty misdemeanor — punishable by up to 15 days in jail and fines up to $100 — that remains on a person's record.
Under the city's ordinance, offenders are charged with a civil violation subject to a maximum $25 fine.
Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.