On the January 4th agenda (view) for final consideration for Plymouth Township’s Council is an ordinance that would provide law enforcement the ability to cite with a non-traffic citation to those found with small amounts of marijuana, paraphernalia, and smoking marijuana in a public place.

Fines would be $25 for possession of a small amount of marijuana or paraphernalia and $100 for smoking marijuana in a public place.

Currently, those found in violation are charged criminally or issued a disorderly conduct citation. During the December 14th discussion (see video below) about the proposed ordinance, the township’s police chief, John Myrsiades, states that issuing a disorderly conduct citation isn’t really applicable and there is a need for an ordinance to address the issue specifically.

When it comes to minors, law enforcement will have the same ability to issue a non-traffic citation (to the minor or the parent/guardian on the minor’s behalf), plus notify parents/guardians of the offense, and direct those involved to information on drug education programs.

Whitemarsh Township adopted a similar ordinance in October of 2020.

If Plymouth’s Council decides, the ordinance will be voted on the agenda for its January 11th meeting for a formal vote.

Below are the discussions on the ordinance that took place during a December 7th workshop meeting and the December 14th regular meeting. The videos are qued to start at the discussion.