Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed signed an ordinance decriminalizing possession of marijuana less than 1 ounce.  Currently, possession of marijuana less than 1 ounce carries a maximum punishment of up to 6 months in jail and up to $1000.00 fine.  The ordinance signed by Mayor Reed essentially makes this once criminal charge a mere city ordinance violation with a maximum fine of $75.00.
Decriminalization of marijuana means that possessing marijuana less than 1 ounce no longer leads to jail time.   Possession of marijuana is still illegal in Georgia, including the City of Atlanta, so it is still illegal to buy, grow, or sell marijuana.
This ordinance only applies within the City of Atlanta. Possession of marijuana less than 1 ounce is still a crime that carries jail time outside of the city limits.
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