Philadelphia is decriminalizing marijuana possession and public consumption of edibles, the largest city in the U.S. to do so. The legalization measure, which was Councilman James Kenney’s bill, passed with a city council vote of 13-3, an overwhelming majority and a positive indication of the decreasing demonization of the cannabis plant.

The legalization measure will go into effect in The City of Brotherly Love on October 20.

Now, persons found in possession of less than 30 grams of marijuana in Philly will incur a charge equivalent to a $25 jaywalking ticket – much more appropriate than the arrest, fines, and jail time that were once the punitive consequences. Public smoking of marijuana, however, will result in a $100 fine, or nine hours of community service.

Marijuana possession is still illegal in the state of Pennsylvania, but hopefully, the progress in Philadelphia will set the stage for further change. In fact, there is also a medical marijuana bill currently being…