Harrisburg Becomes Third Pennsylvania City to Decriminalize Cannabis
(Photo: Reuters)
Harrisburg, the capital of Pennsylvania, has become the third city in the state to pass an ordinance decriminalizing the possession of small amounts of cannabis.
On Tuesday the city’s council voted unanimously to pass a proposal making the possession of up to 30 grams of cannabis a simple $75 fine for a person’s first and second offense ($150 if smoking in public). Unfortunately if someone is caught possessing cannabis three times within a five year period it would be a misdemeanor punishable by up to 30 days in jail.
Lawmakers in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia have passed similar ordinances.
The new law takes effect in Harrisburg on October 1st.
On the state level in Pennsylvania, legislation to decriminalize cannabis continues to be discussed, and last year Governor Tom Wolf announced his support for decriminalization.