‘People over politics’: Easton City Council to revisit marijuana decriminalization

The Easton City Council is set to revisit an ordinance to decriminalize small amounts of marijuana, following the narrow defeat of a similar proposal earlier this year.

Councilman Frank Pintabone, who introduced the ordinance, confirmed the measure will return for a vote during the council’s June 11 meeting.

The original proposal, brought forward in March, aimed to reclassify possession of up to 30 grams of marijuana or 8 grams of hashish as a summary offense — similar to a traffic violation — rather than a misdemeanor. First-time offenders would face a $25 fine, with escalating penalties for repeat offenses. Public use would carry a higher starting fine of $150.

The March vote ended in a 3-3 tie, with Councilwoman Taiba Sultana abstaining, effectively blocking the ordinance. Her abstention came after she voiced support during committee discussions.

Sultana said during the meeting that a concern had been brought to her attention, and she requested that the ordinance be tabled so she could investigate. She has not responded to requests for comment about the nature of the concern.

If she votes in favor on June 11, the ordinance is expected to pass with a 4-3 majority.

Pintabone said the measure would reduce the lasting harm of minor marijuana offenses, which can hinder employment, housing and education opportunities — especially for low-income residents and communities of color.

“In its current form, it’s just not equitable,” he said. “People that can afford medical cards or have good insurance don’t have to worry. But someone who can’t afford that could be arrested, and the real issue isn’t the fine — it’s the permanent drug conviction that comes with it.”

Joseph Welsh, executive director of the Lehigh Valley Justice Initiative, said he feels the ordinance is long overdue.

“Local efforts send a strong message that Pennsylvania is ready to join all of its bordering states and put an end to the failed marijuana prohibition,” Welsh said. “It is absurd that I could stand in the middle of the Northampton Street Bridge between Easton and Phillipsburg with a small amount of marijuana legally in one hand, but if I transfer it to my other hand it suddenly becomes illegal.”

Pintabone noted that 17 Pennsylvania municipalities — including Allentown and Bethlehem — have adopted similar ordinances without facing legal pushback from the state.

“I’ve spoken with officials in Allentown and Bethlehem. They’ve had no issues,” he said. “The state isn’t cracking down on these municipalities. It’s time we joined them.”

Opponents, including Mayor Sal Panto Jr., argue decriminalization should be handled at the state level to avoid conflicts between local and state law.

“My opposition is that it is against a state law, and the proper place to change the law is at the state Legislature, not City Council,” Panto said. “It places two penalties in direct opposition to each other. I agree with the intent of the law, but placing a local law in opposition to a state law doesn’t make sense and could lead to difficulties down the road.”

Other council members also voiced their opposition.

“My concern is, anybody who sees Easton passing this bill and saying, ‘Oh, now I can have a small amount of marijuana in Easton and I only get a summary offense,’” Councilman Roger Ruggles said before voting against the ordinance. “All of a sudden they get arrested and they get charged with a state offense. I don’t want people to get a false sense of security.”

Welsh highlighted a recent Lehigh Valley Justice Initiative study that showed one in six criminal cases in Lehigh Valley courts involve marijuana possession.

“Equally troubling is the fact that you are 6.4 times more likely to be charged with a marijuana offense if you are African American,” he said. “This is the sad history of the war on drugs.”

Pintabone believes the ordinance is common-sense policy despite political tension.

“I think it’s smart legislation. It puts people over politics,” he said, adding that the issue has become a partisan divide at the state level. “It’s overdue.”

The vote will take place at 6 p.m. Wednesday, June 11, in City Council chambers. The meeting is open to the public.