Clarkston, Georgia Decriminalizes Cannabis
(Photo: townmapusa.com)
An ordinance that will decriminalize the possession of up to an ounce of cannabis has been given approval by the Clarkston, Georgia City Council. It has the support of the city’s mayor, meaning it will be quickly passed into law.
Under the new law, those caught possessing up to an ounce of cannabis will be given a maximum fine of $75; under current Clarkston law, the possession of up to an ounce of cannabis is punishable by a misdemeanor and up to a year in jail (in addition to a potential $1,000 fine).
“It is a proven fact that arresting people for simple possession of an once or less of marijuana has damaging effects long-term and short-term on their lives,” says Mario Williams, Public Safety Committee chairman for the Clarkson City Council. “And that’s why we took a step forward and mitigated those effects today.”
Clarkston City Mayor Edward Terry supports the measure.
“In order to be a leader you have to go first, so Clarkston is going first,” he says.