The New Orleans City Council's criminal justice committee unanimously approved a measure to decriminalize simple marijuana possession.
Councilwoman Helena Moreno said the ordinance simply applies the council's ability to pardon municipal offenders to people caught in possession of 14 grams or less of marijuana.
The city's smoking ordinance would apply to anyone smoking marijuana where cigarette smoking would not normally be allowed. Moreno noted that a citation for violating the smoking ordinance does not carry the same stigma as a drug crime.
The ordinance still needs to go before the full city council. The process of getting it to a final vote could take a few months.
