The issue of decriminalizing marijuana is on hold in Gwinnett County for now.
Gwinnett County commissioners decided to table the issue on Tuesday in order to give county leaders more time to weigh the impact. The issue will be discussed again at a Nov. 2 meeting.
The proposal would eliminate jail time as punishment for small amounts of marijuana. One of the advocates for reducing the punishment has been Kirkland Carden. Carden says, if enacted, the new punishment would be the equivalent of a traffic violation and the individual charged would receive a citation instead of jail time.
When Carden first proposed the idea earlier this year, he said reducing jail time for what he considers a minor offense, not only helps the county but the individual, as well.“When someone gets arrested, it hurts their ability to be a functioning valued member of society. We don’t want you in jail.”
According to the Gwinnett Daily Post, anyone who is found with an ounce or less of marijuana would be fined $150 and 20 hours of community service. Minors who are caught with marijuana in their possession would also have to complete a drug treatment or education program.
