State & Local Government Policy, Business and Technology

Atlanta lessens marijuana possession penalties

American City and County: Georgia’s capital and largest city became the most recent municipality to lessen penalties for marijuana possession on Oct. 2.

The ordinance, which the Atlanta City Council passed unanimously, lessens the penalties of possession of one ounce or less of marijuana, AL.com reports. Now, those found possessing an ounce or less of the plant will be made to pay up to $75 without facing jail time. Previously, they consequence for simple possession was up to $1,000 in fines and six months in jail.

“We’re overjoyed,” Atlanta City Council member, ordinance sponsor and mayoral candidate Kwanza Hall, told Atlanta TV station WSB-TV. “This is a moment of history for Atlanta. We have made positive progress.”

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