YORK COUNTY, Pa. — North York Borough is one step closer to joining a handful of central Pennsylvania communities in decriminalizing marijuana.
A new ordinance proposed to the borough council last week would make possessing small amounts of marijuana, of one ounce or less, a non-traffic citation that comes with a $50 fine. The ordinance would also impose a $50 fine for possessing paraphernalia and a $100 fine for smoking marijuana in public.
"I think what this really is, is our community saying what our official stance is on marijuana," said North York Borough Council President Seth Hightman at last week's meeting following the ordinance proposal.
Under current state laws, marijuana possession is a misdemeanor charge that comes with a maximum penalty of a $500 fine and 30 days in jail.
"What the borough wants to do is give those folks a benefit of if this is your first time and you’re known to be a good person, you’re not a repeat offender, this is something that can help someone out in major ways," said David Bolton, borough manager for North York.
The ordinance would not supersede federal or state law, and can still lead to a criminal charge.
However, it intends to give the Northern York County Regional Police Department (NYCRPD), the law enforcement agency in the area, another option in enforcing marijuana possession on a case-by-case basis.
"Any tool you’ll give us we’ll use," NYCRPD Lt. Gregg Anderson said at the borough council meeting. "There may be a time where we absolutely [think] this person needs a break."
According to the NYCRPD, 26 adults in the borough were arrested and went through the court system related to marijuana-only charges in 2023.
"It releases the strain on the criminal process, and on the jail system," said Bolton.
Bolton adds it’s an enforcement option that is necessary.
"We’re not advocating drug use, that’s not what this is about," said Bolton. "You’ve got to think about what is best for the people in your municipality, how can you best protect their interests and if it’s protecting their future over a mistake, you find a way to do that."
North York Borough would join York, Lancaster, Harrisburg, Carlisle and Abbottstown among other communities in the state that have marijuana decriminalization ordinances.
It's a decriminalization push from local governments that officials believe will become even more common.
"These are your governments and sub-governments and they’re telling you this is what they want," said Bolton. "If Harrisburg isn’t going to do it and our leaders aren’t going to step up then the only other way to get action is to start at the bottom through your grassroots efforts and local governments."
The ordinance is now within a 30-day advertisement period in the borough for comments from residents that can be emailed to the borough or presented in person.
"The next step is to put it out to the community, see if there’s support and come back next meeting and let them vote on it," said Bolton. "It’s up to the residents of North York if they want it or not."
The North York Borough Council is expected to vote on the ordinance at their next meeting set for March 12.