( CNN ) -- The Chicago City Council approved a measure on Wednesday that allows police to issue citations for those carrying small amounts of marijuana rather than make arrests . It 's the latest follow through by U.S. officials to decrease penalties associated with the drug . The ordinance , which was modified from a 2011 plan , would afford city police officers the discretion to issue a citation for those carrying up to 15 grams of marijuana . Offenders would face a fine that ranges from $ 250 to $ 500 . `` The result is an ordinance that allows us to observe the law , while reducing the processing time for minor possession of marijuana -- ultimately freeing up police officers for the street , '' Mayor Rahm Emanuel said in a statement . The measure will take effect on August 4 , though it would n't apply on school grounds , in parks or among offenders 16 and younger , according to mayoral spokeswoman Jennifer Martinez . Police officers are expected to undergo training on the new policy in the next two weeks . Earlier this month , Rhode Island Gov . Lincoln Chafee signed a similar measure into law , allowing law enforcement to issue civil fines for the small amounts of possession , rather than arrests . Also in June , New York Gov . Andrew Cuomo asked legislators to reduce penalties for possession of small amounts of the drug that are in public view . Saying the aim was to avoid unnecessary misdemeanor charges against thousands of New Yorkers -- `` disproportionately black and Hispanic youth '' -- the proposed legislation `` brings consistency and fairness '' to New York 's marijuana laws , the governor 's office said . In 1977 , New York 's legislature reduced the penalty for possessing 25 grams or less of marijuana to a noncriminal violation carrying a fine of no more than $ 100 for first-time offenders -- as long as the marijuana was in private possession and not in public view . If the marijuana is out and viewable in public , it becomes a Class B misdemeanor . NY pot plan : Right step or bad message ? Opinion : Marijuana law creates criminals .
Chicago approves a measure that allows citations for those carrying small amounts . Offenders would face a fine that ranges from $ 250 to $ 500 . Rhode Island Gov . Lincoln Chafee signed a similar measure into law earlier this month . New York Gov . Andrew Cuomo asked legislators to reduce penalties for possession .