Atlanta Marijuana Decriminalization: What It Really Means

How Atlanta's Ordinance Changed Local Enforcement

In October 2017, Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed signed Ordinance 17-O-1152 into law, reducing penalties for possession of one ounce or less of marijuana to a maximum $75 fine with no jail time and no arrest record. This ordinance represented a historic shift in Atlanta's approach to marijuana enforcement.

Before decriminalization:

• Possession of less than one ounce: Up to 6 months in jail and $1,500 fine
• Approximately 1,000 people arrested annually in Atlanta for simple possession
• Disproportionate enforcement against communities of color

After decriminalization:

• Possession of less than one ounce: $75 citation (similar to a traffic ticket)
• No jail time, no arrest, no booking
• Officers focus resources on violent crime prevention

Important limitations of Atlanta's ordinance:

1. Decriminalization is NOT legalization - Marijuana possession remains illegal; only the penalty changed.
2. Applies only within Atlanta city limits - Outside Atlanta, state law applies.
3. Officers retain discretion - Police can still arrest under state law if circumstances warrant.
4. State charges still possible - If arrested for another crime while possessing marijuana, state prosecutors will add possession charges.

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Research Shows Decriminalization Reduced Crime

A 2025 study on Atlanta's marijuana decriminalization found that the policy led to a 19.7% reduction in violent crime—approximately 20 fewer violent crimes per 100,000 people monthly—as police reallocated resources from marijuana enforcement to violent crime prevention. This contradicts critics' warnings that decriminalization would increase crime rates.

Other Georgia Cities That Have Decriminalized

Following Atlanta's lead, several other Georgia jurisdictions have reduced penalties for small-amount marijuana possession:

• Savannah - Reduced penalties for possession under one ounce
• Augusta-Richmond County - Local ordinance reducing penalties
• Macon-Bibb County - Decriminalization measures implemented
• Clarkston - First Georgia city to decriminalize (2016)
• Doraville - Issues fines rather than arrests (2025)
• Social Circle - $35 fine or community service for less than one ounce

Despite these local reforms, state law supersedes local ordinances. Police can choose to enforce stricter state penalties, and prosecutors routinely do so.

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