During its meeting on January 11th, Plymouth Township’s Council voted unanimously to adopt an ordinance that provides law enforcement the ability to cite with a non-traffic citation those found with small amounts of marijuana and/or paraphernalia, or smoking marijuana in a public place.

The new ordinance establishes fines of $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 a previous meeting in December when the ordinance was discussed, the township’s police chief, John Myrsiades, stated 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.

Below is the video from the January 11th meeting (it is qued to the part about this ordinance).