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Jacksonville one of last large cities in Florida without pot ordinance

Jacksonville is one of the largest cities left in Florida that doesn’t have a plan to decriminalize marijuana.

Tampa, West Palm Beach and Miami Beach are just a few cities where ordinances have been passed to issue a citation rather than jail time for possession of 20 grams or less of marijuana.

"This is a very conservative area, very conservative, and the consequence is that any change is looked upon as being dangerous," said Action News Jax law and safety expert Dale Carson.

Carson said even though cities and counties have adopted this ordinance, marijuana is still illegal under federal law, but the punishment is diminished.

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Councilman Scott Wilson said that could be why it hasn’t been mentioned in City Council.

"I haven't heard anybody bring it up and we are in compliance with the state law," said Wilson.

However, it’s not something that’s completely out of the question, and Councilman Reggie Brown said he would want Sheriff Mike Williams to consider a pilot program.

"I would look at the success of those cities. If it’s successful, I would strongly support it," said Brown.

A poll was posted on our Action News Jax Facebook page about legalizing marijuana and as of Wednesday night, more 1,000 people voted, with 80 percent saying it should be legal.

"What has happened in the system is that drug is not a gateway necessarily to other drugs, but it is a gateway to get you into the criminal justice system and to get you earmarked permanently as a drug user," said Carson.

Carson said that even though local police just hand out a citation, if the federal government wants to come after you, it can.