Philadelphia Just De-Criminalized Marijuana
PhillyMag has a Q&A with Mike Whitier, the recipient of Philadelphia’s first summary citation for marijuana smoking in public after Mayor Michael Nutter signed a new city council resolution de-criminalizing possession of under 30 grams and public consumption.
Meet Mike Whiter, Recipient of Philly’s First Marijuana Citation
The marine corps vet, diagnosed with PTSD, says, “Weed saved me, man.”
BY MALCOLM BURNLEY | OCTOBER 20, 2014 AT 2:36 PM
As of this morning, Philadelphia is the largest city in the country to decriminalize marijuana. You’ll now receive a $100 fine for smoking in public and a $25 for possession of up to 30 grams — but you will not be arrested. Pot advocate Mike Whiter called dibs on the first marijuana citation weeks ago, and today, he promptly lit up a joint in City Hall’s courtyard at 8 a.m. with police by his side. One quick puff and one handwritten ticket later, Whiter was the happiest man to pay a municipal fine I’ve ever seen.
On the eve of his marijuana citation, I sat down with Whiter to understand the motivation behind the ceremony, what led to him founding Pennsylvania Veterans for Medical Marijuana, and why he thinks marijuana can help millions with PTSD.