Madison council approves measures to decriminalize marijuana

MADISON, Wis. — The City of Madison’s Common Council is passing a set of new ordinances that largely decriminalizes having less than an ounce of marijuana in the city.

Under the new ordinances passed Tuesday night, people 18 and older will be allowed to use or possess up to 28 grams of cannabis on public and private property, as long as they have the permission of the property owner, landlord or tenant. Possessing paraphernalia also will not be punished.

Fines for violating the ordinance by having more than 28 grams of cannabis or using it without a building owner’s permission are also being reduced down to $1. Heavier penalties still apply for those charged with intent to deliver cannabis.

Smoking marijuana will…