Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer and Delaware County Council are looking into a county-wide policy that would give police discretion whether to make the possession of a small amount of marijuana a civil or criminal penalty, writes Kathleen E. Carey for  pottsmerc.com.

If approved, the motion would let police decide if they want to issue $50 fines for the purchase, possession or smoking of 30 grams or less of marijuana.

Criminal prosecution would still apply if the offense happens at a public library or in a public or private school

The motion  does not supersede any state or federal law.

A similar policy is in effect in Upper Darby and Folcroft.

Before the motion is finalized public hearings will be conducted on the issue.

“Obviously, this is an ordinance that would have significant impact on lots and lots of people in Delaware County,” said Delaware County Councilman Kevin Madden. “This is a long time coming, I think, and we’re anxious to get this process moving forward.”

There’s been a move at the state level to legalize recreational marijuana to increase tax revenues countering the losses from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Read more about the county’s moving forward to decriminalize small amounts of marijuana here.

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