Charleston City Council passes bill to amend penalties for simple marijuana possession

CHARLESTON, W.Va (WCHS) — Charleston City Council members passed a bill Monday evening that will change penalties for simple possession of marijuana.

The bill, sponsored by a councilmember and petition which got more than 4,000 signatures, would remove jail times for simple possession of the drug. The bill passed by a 20-5 vote.

First offenses wouldn't include a fine, the second would be a fine up to $250 and the third would be a fine up to $500.

Corey Zinn, a community organizer, said passing this bill makes him hopeful for the future.

"We're hoping that it stays where it is or even reduces further because we could pass laws that make it no jail time, no fine whatsoever for anyone," Zinn said.

Zinn has been advocating for decriminalizing cannabis in Charleston, and he said since 2022 their petition collected more than 4,000 signatures.

Five councilmembers voted against the bill. Councilmember Shannon Snodgrass said she believes voting yes would send a bad message.

"My personal belief, and being in healthcare, I just simply could not send that message that it's OK to have 15 grams of marijuana, until it's legalized, it's still an illegal substance," Snodgrass said.

Snodgrass said she feels this bill could potentially put law enforcement in a bad situation.

"Are they gonna carry scales to see how much it is? Is it personal usage? Is it 17 ounces? It was unnecessary," Snodgrass said.

Offenders will still have to pay court costs which is around $70 in Charleston. The bill will go into effect in five days.