Pennsylvania decriminalization Archives

Pennsylvania Committee Passes Marijuana Decriminalization Bill

October 10, 2018

Legislation that would decriminalize an individual’s first two instances of personal marijuana possession has been passed by a key House committee in Pennsylvania.

House Bill 928 would reduce the penalty for possessing marijuana for the first and second time from a misdemeanor to a fine of $300 with no possibility of jail time (given the possession was for personal use). If someone is caught possessing marijuana for a third time, they could still face a misdemeanor charge.

The measure, filed by State Representative Barry Jozwiak (R) with 30 bipartisan cosponsors, was passed Tuesday by the House Judiciary Committee by a vote of 14 to 9. The legislation now moves towards a vote by the full House of Representatives, where passage would send it to the Senate.

Lawmakers in York Pass Ordinance to Decriminalize Marijuana for Those 18+

July 31, 2017

The York City Council has given approval to an ordinance that decriminalizes the possession of slightly over an ounce of marijuana.

The ordinance, approved on a 4 to 1 vote, decriminalizes the possession of up to 30 grams of cannabis for those 18 and older: The measure was introduced by Councilmember Judy Ritter-Dickson.

Under the approved law, those caught possessing marijuana – as long as it’s under 30 grams and not for distribution purposes – will be fined $100 for a first offense, rather than being arrested and charged with a criminal misdemeanor. For a second offense, the fine will be raised to $250, and $500 for a third offense. If someone commits more than three violations in a five year period, they can still face a misdemeanor charge and the potential of jail time.

Pennsylvania Should Decriminalize Cannabis, Says Governor

August 29, 2016

Pennsylvania should move forward with decriminalizing the personal possession of cannabis, according to Governor Tom Wolf.

“I think we need to do that in a more systematic fashion,” Wolf said during an interview with WITF-FM’s Smart Talk. “There are too many people who are going to prison because of the use of very modest amounts or carry modest amounts of marijuana, and that is clogging up our prisons, it’s destroying families and it’s hurting our economy, so I think decriminalization is the first step.”