Easton, MD: Members of the Easton (population: 30,000) city council have approved an ordinance decriminalizing low-level marijuana offenses.
The ordinance, passed by a 4-3 vote. It reduces marijuana-related violations within the city’s limits to fine-only citations. Under state law, possessing either marijuana or marijuana paraphernalia is classified as a criminal misdemeanor, punishable by jail time.
Under the new local law, which takes effect on July 11, 2025, first-time possession offenses (of 30 grams or less) are punishable by a fine of $25. Possessing cannabis-related paraphernalia is also punishable by a $25 fine. The public use of cannabis is punishable by a $150 fine. Those cited for multiple offenses will face higher fines.
The ordinance’s sponsor said that it will prevent residents from being saddled with criminal records for minor marijuana violations.
Numerous other Pennsylvania cities, including Erie, Harrisburg, Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh, have enacted similar ordinances.
Since 2018, nearly 90,000 Pennsylvanians have been arrested for violating state marijuana laws. Over 85 percent of those arrests were for marijuana possession.
Additional information on municipal decriminalization ordinances is available from NORML.