MADISON: The La Crosse City Council tonight overrode Mayor Matt Harter’s veto of an ordinance that would make first-time possession of small amounts of cannabis a municipal infraction instead of a criminal offense.

Harter had twice before vetoed cannabis decriminalization ordinances with a November 2010 veto falling two votes short of an override. The Thursday night passage of District 3 council member Chris Olson’s ordinance gives law enforcement discretion to cite first-time possession of up to 7 grams of cannabis and possession of drug paraphernalia as a municipal offense rather than a misdemeanor or even a felony. Seven grams is about a quarter ounce of cannabis.

According to the La Crosse Tribune, Council member Olson stated issuing citations would generate additional city revenues and provide “a first-time offender a second chance.” He criticized Police Chief Ed Kondracki for saying he would not ask his officers to enforce the ordinance. La Crosse Police Capt. Rob Abraham later said the department would allow officers to use the ordinance at their own discretion. He also noted that La Crosse County Sheriff’s have yet to cite anyone under a similar ordinance.

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