Thursday March 28th, 2024 8:25PM

Gwinnett County could decriminalize small amounts of marijuana

Gwinnett County commissioners are discussing changing policy to decriminalize smaller portions of marijuana use. The new ordinance wouldn’t make marijuana legal, just reduce the sentence for someone possessing only small amounts, including eliminating jail time.

According to the Gwinnett Daily Post, Commissioner Kirkland Carden initiated the idea. On Tuesday he explained the idea to other commissioner members, saying that it allows police to issue a citation, rather than arresting them and taking them to jail, which can take the officer several hours. 

Law enforcement would instead have the option to issue a citation that carries a $150 fine or require up to one year of community service.

Carden also added that it gives the offender a chance, 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.”

County Attorney Mike Ludwickzak said the county’s ordinance on marijuana currently states a person must spend a year in jail or face a fine of up to $1,000 — or possibly both — if they are convicted.

The county ordinance cannot supersede state law, which carries a stiffer penalty.

Georgia is only one of 19 states that have not decriminalized marijuana. Carden says this could be a good opportunity for the rest of the state to see what happens and potentially follow Gwinnett's example if it ends up being a success. 

According to Georgia News Network, 40-thousand Georgians a year are arrested for marijuana possession. 

  • Associated Categories: Homepage, Local/State News
  • Associated Tags: marijuana, Gwinnett County, gwinnett county commissioners, Kirkland Carden
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