Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed signed marijuana legislation late Tuesday that would largely decriminalize the drug in the city, he said Wednesday.
While many city officials are hailing the legislation, Police Chief Erika Shields has told local media that police officers will still enforce marijuana laws in accordance with city and state regulations.
Monday’s controversial vote, hailed by marijuana advocates around the nation, was introduced in March by Councilman Kwanza Hall. But Shields has sought to bring clarity to the vote so that Atlanta residents have the right perspective.
The APD posted a message on Facebook this week that says in part that the mayor still has yet to sign the legislation recommended by city council. Below is the full text:
FYI: We are aware there is a lot of misinformation on the passage of legislation by the Atlanta City Council on Monday concerning penalties for marijuana possession, including questions about decriminalization. To be clear, possession of marijuana – in any amount – is still a violation of city ordinances and state law. The legislation passed by City Council, which is pending consideration by Mayor Kasim Reed, does not speak to enforcement of marijuana laws by police. The new legislation simply lessens penalties imposed by the Municipal Court for possession of less than one ounce of marijuana under the City Code.
