Miami Beach Commissioners tighten marijuana laws ahead of spring break
As the city of Miami Beach gears up for the spring break season, its commissioners have taken a decisive step to tighten marijuana laws.
In a recent vote, the city commission opted to eliminate the previously available civil penalty for individuals found in possession of 20 grams or less of marijuana.
A stricter stance on marijuana
Commissioner Alex Fernandez, the driving force behind this change, emphasized the need for a more stringent approach, stating that they’re shutting the door on Spring Break, re-criminalizing marijuana, and imposing their strictest consequences for reckless behavior.
Commissioners noted the optional $100 civil penalty did not effectively prevent people from smoking or having marijuana in public.
Over the eight years since its introduction, law enforcement reported a limited number of civil citations instead of arrests.
Miami Beach takes a stand
Miami Beach stands alone in Miami-Dade County as the only city that prosecutes its own criminal ordinance violations.
Smoking marijuana in public, under the revised law, now carries a criminal penalty of up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine.
Mayor Steven Meiner, echoing the sentiment behind the change, reiterated that the optional $100 civil penalty did not deter public marijuana use.
Stricter safety measures
This development comes at a time when the city is intensifying its efforts to manage rowdy spring breakers. Officials claim that these measures represent the most robust safety initiatives.
