City of Temple set to consider new marijuana ordinance – no jail time

Updated: 5/1/2017 – The Temple City Council voted on the proposed marijuana ordinance that resulted in a 2 to 2 tie. The mayor is not allowed to break a tie on ordinances. Council member Penny Ransom said she intends to revisit the issue after the June 20th special election to replace a deceased council member.  From FOX 5 News.

Temple GA: On April 3rd the City of Temple will begin the process to amend the city’s marijuana ordinance that would remove jail time and reduce the fine for one ounce or less of cannabis.

Following in the footsteps of the cities of Clarkston and Atlanta, council member Penny Ransom will present the proposed ordinance for the first reading at the next scheduled council meeting. A public hearing and a vote will come over the next four weeks.

State law allows cities to create an ordinance for one ounce or less of marijuana with up to $1000 fine and 6 months confinement. State law allows up to 12 months confinement. It does not stipulate a minimum penalty.

A hearing will be held on April 13 to allow citizens and stakeholders to provide information and ask questions.

Georgia CARE Project (Campaign for Access Reform and Education) began the City by City Initiative when they proposed an ordinance change in Athens-Clarke County in 2015.

Last July, the City of Clarkston passed a reform ordinance that removes incarceration and allows for a citation and up to a $75 fine. City officials expressed interest in reducing the harm state marijuana laws create on those caught with personal use amounts.

The key features to the ordinance is removal of an arrest record and elimination of jail time.

Georgia CARE director James Bell said the public no longer wants to incarcerate citizens for marijuana possession and cities are willing to consider a less Draconian approach to the issue.

“We are encouraged that various cities in Georgia are willing to debate the issue”, Bell said. “We hope as more cities reform their ordinances it will send a message to state legislators that Georgians no longer want to create criminals out of those who use cannabis. But, we understand there is still a desire by some to show disapproval of cannabis use.”

Georgia CARE will continue to reach out to cities and help educate councils on the reform process.

Marijuana Decrim Rally at Athens City Hall

The rally hosted by Georgia C.A.R.E. Project and the Athens C.A.R.E. affiliate drew 25 protesters to send a message that Athens-Clarke County can decriminalize less than one ounce of cannabis by using citations rather than arresting “offenders”. Georgia C.A.R.E. Project director James Bell spoke later that night before the mayor and commission meeting.

Athens Human Rights Festival – Marijuana is a Human Right

Georgia C.A.R.E. Project director James Bell will be speaking this Saturday at the 37th Annual Athens Human Rights Festival in downtown Athens GA.

Originally created to commemorate the ninth anniversary of the Kent State murders, the Human Rights Festival is a two-day event dedicated to promoting free speech and confronting issues that challenge human rights. Throughout the festival, activists and members of various community, national and global organizations take to the main stage to discuss important social and political topics. In between speakers, live music performances entertain the festival crowd. As always, information booths line the streets, and children’s activities and youth performances are available for our younger attendees.

The free festival is from 10 a.m.–12 a.m. on Saturday, May 2nd and 2–9 p.m. on Sunday, May 3rd.

James Bell will be speaking on Saturday May 2nd at 4:30 pm. We hope you can attend!