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Will Las Cruces follow Albuquerque’s steps to decriminalize marijuana?

Albuquerque voted to decriminalize small amounts of Marijuana Monday night. Is Las Cruces next?

Mayor Ken Miyagishima doesn’t think so.

“I don’t support it and I wouldn’t like to see it on council’s agenda,” Miyagishima told ABC-7 on Tuesday.

The Albuquerque City Council voted to amend the city’s code by “making it a citable offense” to possess less than 28 grams (one ounce) of marijuana, according to the Associated Press. Law enforcement officials can issue a $25 ticket, but offenders will not face jail time.

Albuquerque City Councilman Pat Davis said it would “beat having to check a box for the rest of your life,” the report said.

“I think it should be decriminalized,” said Andres Valle, a junior at New Mexico State. “I’m not talking bricks, but an ounce? Yeah.”

“Technically, it’s still illegal from the viewpoint of the United States government,” Miyagishima said. “I also think it’s going to lead to other uses of drugs.”

The mayor also cited problems in Colorado with residents driving under the influence of marijuana, making insurance rates escalate.

“Kids are going to do it either way,” Kenna Colebrook, another New Mexico State student said. “They’re just going to keep punishing these kids, yet they go back and do it.”

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