Approximately 4,160 defendants were diverted under the program, called the Small Amount of Marijuana (SAM), during its first year, the Philadelphia Daily News reported. Defendants in the program pay a $200 fine to attend a three-hour drug awareness class. Those who complete the class and pay the fine do not have to appear in criminal court and will not have a criminal record.
It’s hard to believe that there are still some cities wasting money on prosecuting small amounts of marijuana possession. Over the past year, Philadelphia would have prosecuted over 4,000 people for having dried plant matter on their person if not for SAM. And while fines and drug classes are still beyond the pale for cannabis possession, it’s a step in the right direction.
Small, positive steps toward the day when no cannabis user ever has to worry about going to jail.
- Joe Klare
