ORLANDO, Fla. –
City leaders in Orlando voted Monday to pass the marijuana ordinance that changes how the city deals with people caught with marijuana.
[READ: Orlando ordinance about marijuana possession]
The proposal, which gives police the option of not arresting people found with 20 grams of the drug or less if it is a first offense, passed the council with a 4-to-3 vote at the final reading.
Under the new ordinance that takes effect in October, offenders would get a ticket. The fines for a first offense are $100, second offense is $200 and third offenses require mandatory court appearance.
The ordinance also requires a substance abuse diversionary program with 8 hours of substance abuse education or 8 hours of community service.
The fine revenue will be used to support the substance abuse education, according to officials.
The ordinance passed a first reading last month by a vote of 4-3. Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer said the change is about giving people a second chance.
"With an arrest record, it becomes more challenging for them to get a job, more challenging to join the military and more challenging to get financial aid," Dyer said.
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