"This ordinance is another tool for the Upper Merion police officers to use when dealing with possession with minor amounts of marijuana or marijuana paraphernalia," Police Chief Tom Noland said. "It does not decriminalize marijuana. It provides a mechanism for the police officers to process the minor, nonviolent offense of personal possession."
The citation tickets will either be issued at the scene or mailed out, officials said.
For juveniles, police will contact parents to provide information on education or treatment.
The move follows similar changes in surrounding Montgomery County towns including West Norriton, Norristown and Plymouth Township.
Upper Merion's shift also comes as Pennsylvania lawmakers and the Wolf administration make a case for recreational marijuana legalization. Neighboring states New Jersey and New York both legalized marijuana this year and are in the process getting their dispensaries and regulatory system up and running.