Clayton County, Georgia Decriminalizes Marijuana Possession

Commissioners have approved an ordinance that lowers the punishment for being caught with less than one ounce to a civil fine of up to $150, replacing criminal charges with citations. Police Chief Kevin Roberts, who proposed the change, said the goal is to prevent people—especially younger residents—from carrying criminal records for minor offenses. Under state law possessing even a small amount of cannabis can result in a misdemeanor charge with up to a year in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.

Located just south of Atlanta, Clayton County is the fifth most populated county in Georgia despite being among the state’s smallest in land size. Census figures put the population at about 298,000.

While Georgia has legalized the medical use of low-THC oil for qualifying patients, it does not allow full medical dispensaries or recreational use.