https://www.atlantamagazine.com/news-culture-articles/the-city-of-south-fulton-passed-a-new-marijuana-ordinance-heres-what-you-need-to-know/ In March 2018, Dr. Mark Baker, then Mayor Pro Tem of South Fulton, Georgia, sponsored and successfully passed legislation to decriminalize the possession of small amounts of marijuana within the city. This made South Fulton the third municipality in Georgia to enact such a reform, following the cities of Clarkston and Atlanta . Key Provisions of the Legislation: • Reduced Penalties: Individuals found in possession of less than one ounce of marijuana would face a maximum fine of $150, with no jail time imposed. • Allocation of Fines: Half of the collected fines are designated to fund alcohol and drug rehabilitation and prevention programs, particularly those aimed at youth. Dr. Baker emphasized that the ordinance aimed to reduce the number of individuals, especially young people, entering the criminal justice system for minor offenses. He also highlighted the importance of redirecting resources to programs that support community health and youth development . Expansion of Decriminalization in Georgia: Since South Fulton’s initiative, several other Georgia cities have enacted similar decriminalization measures, including Savannah, Macon-Bibb County, Augusta, Chamblee, and East Point, among others. As of now, at least 13 municipalities in Georgia have adopted ordinances to reduce penalties for minor marijuana possession .