Confusion sets in after Bethlehem votes to decriminalize small amounts of marijuana
Bethlehem, Pa. (WTXF) - The City of Bethlehem voted in favor of a new law on its first reading this week to decriminalize small amounts of marijuana. It seems straight forward enough but because Bethlehem is split between two counties it's causing confusion.
Bethlehem's Broad Street Bridge overlooking the scenic Monocacy Creek is literally the divide when it comes to penalties for having pot That''s because it marks the line between Lehigh County and Northampton Counties. Depending on which side of the bridge you are on it could cost you a little or a lot.
If you are on the Northampton County side, the penalty for 30 grams of marijuana or less is a summary offense punishable by a $25 fine, which is the equivalent of a traffic ticket.
On the Lehigh County side of Bethlehem, the district attorney there says state laws supersede local ordinances that makes makes it a misdemeanor, which s punishable by up to 30 days in jail and $500 fine.