ST. LOUIS, Mo. (KMOX) – The plan to ease up on pot smoking in the city of St. Louis is getting a careful review in aldermanic committee.

The aldermanic health committee took up the bill Thursday. They’re calling for more testimony from police and mental health professionals before they make a move. Sponsor Shane Cohn says he realizes he has some explaining to do to anyone who thinks a ‘yes’ vote means they’re soft on crime.

“First and foremost we don’t condone the use of marijuana,” Cohn said. “This is simply an administrated classification and its not legalizing it.”

Under the bill, those caught with small amounts of pot would get a summons similar to a traffic ticket and face fines between $100 and $500 and up to 90 days in jail. Also the proposal would exempt anyone from another state who has a prescription for medical marijuana.