WSAV
By Meredith Stutz
SAVANNAH, GEORGIA – In a nearly unanimous vote, Savannah City Council voted on Thursday to lessen the penalties for simple possession of marijuana within city limits. The vote was not to discuss possible legalization of marijuana. The drug is still illegal in the state of Georgia.
Still, Alderman Van Johnson has been resolute in his pursuit to curb the fallout of marijuana arrests.
It’s an opportunity to increase education, employment, housing,” he said.
His proposal included giving Savannah Police Officer the discretion to have a choice of giving someone a $150 fine with no jail time. Further punishment or actions like community service would be up to the discretion of a judge or an officer. In addition, he proposed that 20 percent of the fines be given to a local rehabilitation facility/organization to offset drug treatment costs.