Du Quoin leaders finalize fines for pot

Du Quoin leaders last week gave their final OK to two ordinances formalizing the city's authority to assess civil penalties for possession of small amounts of marijuana and related drug paraphernalia.
The parameters set by the city allow for the collection of a minimum $200 fine for possession of less than 10 grams of cannabis. Possession of paraphernalia nets a similar fine.
The action taken by the city council follows new state legislation that took effect in January decriminalizing possession of small amounts of the drug. The city's home rule status allows it to set its own civil fine structure under the newly enacted law.