DENHAM SPRINGS, La. (AP) – The city of Denham Springs may soon be able to collect money from the growing number of criminals fined for possession of synthetic marijuana.

Possession of the drugs is already illegal, but money from fines goes to the local judicial district.

City Prosecutor Blayne Honeycutt, who suggested the measure, said Tuesday enacting a municipal ordinance would allow the fine money to stay in the city.

According to the proposed ordinance, the maximum fine for possession would be $500. It also would carry a maximum jail sentence of 60 days. Both punishments are identical to the punishment for possession of marijuana.

The Advocate reports (http://bit.ly/1B45EA1 ) the ordinance is set for public comment at the council’s next meeting on March 23.