South Fulton Council To Vote On Decriminalizing Marijuana
Under a proposal before the South Fulton City Council, the penalty for possession of less than an ounce of marijuana would be a $150 fine and no arrest. The council plans to vote Tuesday night on the decriminalization plan.
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South Fulton could become the newest city in Georgia to decriminalize marijuana.
Under a proposal before the City Council, the penalty for possession of less than an ounce of pot would be a $150 fine and no arrest.
City Council member Mark Baker introduced the legislation. He said this doesn’t supersede state law.
“Marijuana is still illegal,” Baker said. “This is not an endorsement of marijuana at all. This is just for those individuals who may have less than an ounce in their possession. It won’t be a crime. It’ll be a civil violation.”
Linda Pritchett was one of about two dozen people who attended a town hall meeting Monday night about the proposed legislation.
“Although I am in complete favor of this ordinance, I do believe part of the education needs to address or let young people know this is not a get-out-of-jail-free card because this still can lead to other things,” she said.
Pritchett said she’s concerned about people not understanding that, if they’re caught with marijuana while committing other crimes, they can still be arrested.
Other attendees spoke in opposition of the ordinance saying it could lead to an increase in recreational use, even though it is still illegal according to state law.
The City Council plans to vote Tuesday night on the decriminalization plan.
Other metro Atlanta cities, including Atlanta and Clarkston, have already decriminalized weed.
Fulton and DeKalb counties are considering similar measures.
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