http://www.wesh.com/news/city-to-take-final-vote-on-marijuana-decriminalization-ordinance/39451932

ORLANDO, Fla. -Orlando leaders have voted in favor of decriminalizing small amounts of marijuana.

The City Council voted 4-3 for the measure Monday afternoon. The ordinance is set to take effect Oct. 1.

The change means anyone found with up to 20 grams of marijuana will face a civil infraction rather than a criminal one. Twenty grams of pot is about 30 to 40 joints.

Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer says the change shows understanding and mercy.

"What we're saying is to someone who has made a youthful mistake for the first time and they have no other background of any sort and are not associated with any crimes we're probably going to be able to give them a second chance," Dyer said.

Last month, commissioners voted approving the first reading of the ordinance, but it has since gone through minor tweaks. The fine jumped to $100 for a first offense and $200 for a second offense. Those unable to pay could have the option of performing community service or taking a substance abuse education course.

Both sides of the debate did not hold back.

Many individuals who were once arrested for possessing less than 20 grams of cannabis would instead get a second chance in the city of Orlando if arrested starting this October. People caught with 20 grams or less of cannabis could be issued a $100 ticket, $200 if it's their second offense, instead of going to jail.

"I think we're protecting the future of our youth. We're saying to that young folk, 'We're not going to end your life today because you're caught with some cannabis,' said Erik Range with Art 420, LLC.

Range said it will protect those who can't get a job because of mistakes they made earlier in life.

The opposition has a much different feeling.

"The drug dealers today are probably rejoicing," said David Siegel, who opposes the marijuana ordinance.

Siegal, owner of Westgate Resorts, recently lost his daughter to a drug overdose. He thinks this ordinance will encourage teenagers to use other drugs.

"This is not stopping it at its core," Siegel said.

"Today's marijuana is much higher concentration and therefore much greater addictive potential," said Dr. Kent Hoffman, an addiction recovery specialist. "If we're decriminalizing it, therefore, how bad can it be? That's the message that we're sending to the kids."

People who can't afford the fines could also have the option to attend community service or drug education.

A similar measure was passed in Volusia County earlier this year.