DeKalb commissioners have agreed to ask the General Assembly for flexibility to decriminalize marijuana.
Cities like Clarkston and Atlanta have already done so, making possession of less than an ounce of marijuana no longer subject to arrest and reducing fines from a maximum of $1,000 to $75. Counties can’t do the same unless laws are changed at the state Capitol.
The board voted 6-1 on Tuesday to send their resolution and proposed rewrite of the law to the General Assembly for action during the legislative session now underway.
Commissioner Larry Johnson was the one “no” vote. He said afterward that he is uncomfortable with the measure because he believes more accountability is needed, such requiring offenders to complete drug counseling.
“It’s still a crime, but do we focus a lot on prevention or find a treatment component to make sure that people get the help that they need?” he said.
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