Pubdate: Tue, 18 Apr 2017
Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution (GA)
Copyright: 2017 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Contact:  http://www.ajc.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/28
Author: Leon Stafford

CITY PUTS OFF VOTE TO EASE POT PENALTY

After more than 90 minutes of debate and no consensus, the Atlanta
City Council on Monday put off a vote on a measure that would have
eliminated jail time for those caught with small quantities of marijuana.

Advocates of the Atlanta legislation said the move is necessary to
address the disproportionate number of black Americans incarcerated
because of pot possession.

The proposal, which also would reduce the fine for possession of an
ounce or less to a maximum of $75, mirrors actions taken in cities
across the nation, including Dallas, Kansas City and St. Louis. In
DeKalb County, Clarkson also has reduced penalties.

Between 2014 and 2016, 92 percent of those arrested in Atlanta for
possession were African American and 85 percent were male, according
to the Racial Justice Action Center in East Point. An American Civil
Liberties Union analysis of marijuana arrests between 2001 and 2010
found blacks were 3.73 times more likely to be arrested nationally for
possession of the drug than whites.
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