I'm not talking about for getting high on grass.
I'm talking about for letting the grass on your lawn get too high.
That's what the Canton, Ohio City Council wants to do to offenders.
Like Franklin, they already have a weed control ordinance on the books.
But that's not enough.
"For residents tired of that overgrown lot that resembles a minijungle next door, the city wants to help by trying to put high-grass violators behind bars.
City Council wants to beef up its existing high-grass and weeds law by making a second offense a fourth-degree misdemeanor, which is punishable by a fine of up to $250 and up to 30 days in jail.
In the spring and summer, it's not uncommon for council members to field complaints from residents about overgrown lots owned by individuals or banks and corporations that ignore the law and notices in the mail.
More than 8 inches constitutes high grass or weeds, according to city law. First-time violators now face a minor misdemeanor, which carries up to a $150 fine and no jail time.
The proposed amendment passed second reading Monday night, and is up for passage at next Monday's council meeting.
Strengthening the law would give judges and police "a way to get their attention," Law Director Joseph Martuccio said of lawbreakers. More pressure also could be applied to lot owners and those responsible through letters, conferences and prosecutor's hearings, he said. "
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