Why it matters: North York borough in Pennsylvania is considering decriminalizing cannabis at a small level, joining other local counties in the state that have already taken this step.
What they are saying: Residents and officials in the town are in favor of decriminalizing small amounts of marijuana to reduce negative impacts on residents and visitors, keep non-offenders out of prison, and free up law enforcement resources.
The big picture: This proposed ordinance would make it so that having less than an ounce of cannabis would result in a $50 fine, with no jail time. This move highlights the slow progress Pennsylvania has made on the legalization front.
What to watch: The vote on the issue will happen on March 12, and if passed, the ordinance will go into effect five days later. This could potentially be a major win for the local cannabis community.
My take: Decriminalizing small amounts of cannabis in North York borough is a step in the right direction to address the disparities and negative impacts of cannabis arrests. It also showcases the local community’s willingness to take a more liberal stance on cannabis despite the slow progress at the state level.
