Marijuana Law "Zero'

"How many cases have been prosecuted under the city's marijuana ordinance?" City Attorney Jerold Lax was asked' by Fourth Ward Councilman James E. Stephenson last night. "Zero" he replied, hastemng to add his office has been meeting with the Police Department regarding this topic and that additional meetings will held. The ordinance was passed this spring following lengthy debate. It places - locally - marijuana violations m the category of misdemeanors rather than felonies as is the case under state law. First Ward Councilman Norris Thomas said it was his understandmg when the ordinance passed that there would be a directive to the Police Department regarding its enforcement. "We're trying to work that out," Lax said. It hasn't worked like we'd hoped." The administration will report further on this to the council at a future meeting. Mayor Robert J. Harris said there will also be a report from District Court on the handling of marijuana cases since the adoption of the local ordinance by council.