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Council narrows public-consumption rule for marijuana and approves $100 fine cap
Summary
Council amended and adopted a city ordinance limiting unlawful public consumption of recreational marijuana to smoking or vaping and set a maximum fine of $100; the city attorney said the language is consistent with state law.
The Independence City Council amended and adopted an ordinance on Jan. 20 that narrows the city's restriction on public recreational marijuana consumption to smoking or vaping and establishes a maximum fine of $100 for violations.
Councilmember McCandless proposed a substitute amendment that removed broader references to "consumption" and confined the prohibition to smoking or vaping in public places. City Attorney Covert said the amendment is consistent with Missouri's constitutional amendment and state statute and explained that the local provision narrows the scope compared with state language.
Council members asked staff to confirm enforcement implications. Members clarified that possession above the state statutory limit remains enforceable by police and that other provisions of the code continue to apply. The amendment was approved on a roll call vote and the ordinance as amended passed 7-0.
The ordinance will take effect roughly 10 to 11 days after passage, per a city attorney statement at the meeting.
