Scoop: Philly prosecutor may stop charging drug users as criminals Volume 0%

[brooklynite]

Source: Axios

Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner, one of the most progressive district attorneys in the country, told "Axios on HBO" that he is "very close" to implementing a policy that would relax the penalties for drug possession laws.

Why it matters: This would be a first-of-its-kind policy in the U.S. If it leads to more cities adopting similar policies addressing drug possession offenses with treatment instead of incarceration, it could fundamentally change the nation's approach to addiction and the war on drugs.

"Possession is different than dealing," Krasner said in an interview for an upcoming episode of "Axios on HBO." "We are talking about people who are using drugs. The vast majority of them suffering from addiction. I do not see value in convicting people like that."

How it would work: The Philadelphia policy has not been finalized, and there is no timeline for rollout yet. The plan is for it to be a diversion system, which means anyone arrested or charged for having small amounts of illicit substances would not face incarceration or having a criminal record.

Read more: https://www.axios.com/exclusive-philadelphia-larry-krasner-drug-possession-0e4b0a63-e057-4541-81d3-e0d4ded743f6.html

[greymattermom]

1. Is there a penalty for possessing tobacco if you are under 18?

The penalty should be the same.

[sir pball]

2. Pennsylvania doesn't prohibit possession of tobacco by minors, only selling to them.

In PA, it's only unlawful to provide tobacco to a minor; there's no law on the books regarding possession of tobacco by a minor.

https://www.cga.ct.gov/2005/rpt/2005-r-0269.htm