EAST POINT, Ga. — Marijuana could soon be decriminalized in the city of East Point after a recent ordinance was proposed at a city council meeting on Dec. 18.
Multiple cities and counties within the metro Atlanta area have taken similar steps, including:
See the map below for all the places in Georgia where marijuana is decriminalized.
What does the ordinance entail?
According to the city council's agenda from that date, the new ordinance would "dispose of cases where a person is charged with possession of one ounce or less of marijuana" if the offense occurs within the city limit.
So, weed is legal there, right?
Not exactly. It's still unlawful to possess one ounce or less of marijuana in East Point. But, by decriminalizing the drug, the punishment for possession will be less severe. Instead of jail time, those caught with the cannabis drug will simply have to pay $75 or perform community service.
Why is East Point doing this?
As noted in the meeting's agenda, the adoption of this ordinance is to "enhance public safety and eliminate costs." Essentially, the city wants to reduce the amount of time police have to spend working cases and making arrests relating to simple possession and instead use that time and resources toward fighting other forms of crime.
When will this be enacted?
As of now, the ordinance is not yet in effect. However, it will be once it has been signed by the mayor.