A proposed ordinance may lessen the number of arrests for marijuana possession in Citrus County in the near future.

The ordinance, proposed at a county commission meeting on Feb. 9, would create a program wherein Citrus County deputies could choose to issue civil citations (tickets) for possession of 20 grams or less of marijuana, rather than making an arrest. The proposed fine for the ticketed infraction would be about $250.

The proposal comes from County Commissioner Scott E. Carnahan, who says the measure could save taxpayer money by potentially keeping around 150 people a year out of the court system.

Carnahan also says that the measure provides an opportunity for first-time offenders to stay out of the system.

"The last thing we want to do is get a criminal record on a citizen that hinders them for the rest of their life," said Carnahan.

The county commission voted 3-2 to support the idea for now, but the debate on the measure is just beginning.

"[The ordinance] normalizes the behavior," says Mary Lee Cubbison, founder and director of the Anti-Drug Coalition of Citrus County. "We will see the use of marijuana increase."

Commissioner Carnahan says the sheriff supports the idea.

"I'm not blazing the trail here," Carnahan said. "This has been done by other counties and municipalities."

Carnahan also says it will be a few months before the ordinance comes before the board for a vote. The next step is to write up the ordinance, then have another discussion during a public hearing.