North York Borough Moves Toward Decriminalizing Marijuana Possession

North York Borough is moving toward decriminalizing marijuana possession, after a new ordinance was proposed to the borough council members. The new ordinance would make possessing small amounts of marijuana a non-traffic citation, instead of a misdemeanor, that comes with a $50 fine.

The new ordinance was introduced by Councilman Gary Braham, who said that he was inspired by the example of York City, which passed a similar ordinance in 2018. Braham said that he wanted to reduce the criminalization and stigmatization of marijuana users, who face legal consequences, social discrimination, and barriers to employment, education, and health care.

The new ordinance was supported by most of the council members, who voted to advertise it for public comment. The ordinance will be discussed and voted on at the next council meeting on March 13, 2023. If the ordinance passes, North York Borough will become the second municipality in York County to decriminalize marijuana possession.

A Growing Trend of Decriminalizing Marijuana Possession in Pennsylvania

North York Borough is following a growing trend of decriminalizing marijuana possession in Pennsylvania, where several municipalities have adopted similar ordinances in recent years. These include York City, Harrisburg, Lancaster, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, State College, and Erie.

The municipalities that have decriminalized marijuana possession have done so in response to the failure of the state legislature to pass a statewide decriminalization or legalization bill, despite the support of the governor and the majority of the public. The municipalities have also done so in recognition of the social and racial injustices caused by the prohibition of marijuana, which disproportionately affects minorities and low-income communities.

The municipalities that have decriminalized marijuana possession have reported positive results, such as a reduction in arrests, prosecutions, and costs associated with marijuana enforcement, and an increase in police and community relations, and public health and safety.

A Controversial and Complex Issue that Requires More Dialogue and Debate

The decriminalization of marijuana possession in North York Borough is not without controversy and complexity, as it involves various stakeholders and interests, such as the cannabis users, the law enforcement, the public health, and the revenue. The issue also reflects the political and ideological divide between the Republicans and the Democrats, who have different views and agendas on the issue.

The supporters of decriminalization argue that it is a sensible and compassionate policy, that recognizes the reality and the rights of marijuana users, and that reduces the harms and costs of marijuana prohibition. They also point out that marijuana has various medical and therapeutic benefits, and that it is less harmful than alcohol and tobacco, which are legal and widely consumed.

The opponents of decriminalization argue that it is a dangerous and irresponsible policy, that encourages and normalizes marijuana use and abuse, and that increases the risks and problems of marijuana consumption. They also question the effectiveness and legality of decriminalization, and the impact of decriminalization on the medical marijuana program, which was launched in 2016.

The outcome of the new ordinance in North York Borough is uncertain, as it depends on various factors, such as the feedback and input of the public, the views and values of the council members, the political and public support for the issue, and the feasibility and desirability of the policy change. However, some possible and probable scenarios are:

• The ordinance passes the council and becomes law, and North York Borough decriminalizes marijuana possession, and joins the other municipalities that have done so in Pennsylvania.
• The ordinance fails to pass the council or is vetoed by the mayor, and North York Borough maintains the status quo, and continues to enforce the state law that criminalizes marijuana possession.
• The ordinance is amended or postponed, and North York Borough seeks more dialogue and debate on the issue, and explores other options and alternatives, such as expanding and enhancing the medical marijuana program, and increasing the prevention and treatment services for marijuana users.