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Harrisburg Becomes Third Pennsylvania City to Decriminalize Cannabis

July 7, 2016 by Anthony Martinelli

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.

Pittsburgh City Council Passes Measure to Decriminalize Cannabis and Hash

April 5, 2016 by Anthony Martinelli

Pittsburgh’s City Council has given overwhelming approval to an ordinance that will decriminalize the possession of small amounts of cannabis and hash, making it a ticketable rather than arrestable offense.

The vote was 8 to 1, with Councilmember Darlene Harris standing as the sole “No” vote. Mayor Bill Peduto is expected to sign the ordinance into law by next week.

Under the new law, those caught possessing up to 30 grams of cannabis – or 8 grams of hash – will be given a summary citation of $25, or $100 if caught consuming in public. Under current law, the possession of even a miniscule amount of cannabis is punishable by a misdemeanor and up to 30 days in jail.

Pittsburgh City Council Votes to Decriminalize Cannabis and Hash Possession

December 21, 2015December 21, 2015 by Anthony Martinelli

Pittsburgh’s City Council has given final approval to legislation that will decriminalize the possession of up to 30 grams of cannabis, and up to 8 grams of hash. The vote was 7 to 2.

“The Mayor agrees with Council members, the District Attorney and many others that this is a common sense change that will help protect the futures of young people in our communities,” says mayoral spokesman Tim McNulty, indiciating that Mayor Bill Peduto will sign the ordinance into law once it reaches his desk (though even if he vetoes it, there was enough support in the Council to override it).

Pittsburgh City Council Votes 6 to 1 to Decriminalize Cannabis and Hash Possession

December 16, 2015 by Anthony Martinelli

In a 6 to 1 vote, Pittsburgh’s City Council has given approval to a measure that would decriminalize the possession of up to 30 grams of cannabis, as well as the possession of up to 8 grams of hash.

The proposal was passed on a preliminary vote, with the final vote expected to come next week. The city’s police chief, and mayor, are both in support of the move.

Under the proposed law, police would be authorized to, at most, give an $100 ticket for those caught possessing an amount of cannabis within the 30 gram (or 8 grams for hash) limit.