Photo by Ben Allen/witf

FILE PHOTO: Harrisburg City Councilor Cornelius Johnson talks to audience members at a public meeting this past March on the city's proposal to decriminalize possession of less than 30 ounces of marijuana.

(Harrisburg) -- An effort to decriminalize marijuana in the city of Harrisburg has hit a road block.

Harrisburg council members have discussed a proposal to reduce the penalties for marijuana possession, but tabled the discussion so they could conduct more research after issues came up on how the changes would apply to juveniles.

Marijuana possession currently is deemed a misdemeanor that stays on an offender's criminal history.

The proposal would reduce the crime to the same level as a traffic ticket.

A third marijuana possession arrest would be deemed a misdemeanor under the plan.

Incremental fine increases, starting at $100, were also proposed.