Jonesboro decriminalizes small marijuana possession, replacing jail time with civil citations inside city limits

What changed in Jonesboro

Jonesboro has adopted a new city ordinance that removes jail time for people found in possession of small amounts of marijuana within city limits. The City Council approved the measure in a 5–1 vote during a Monday night meeting, and the policy took effect immediately.

Under the ordinance, possession of less than one ounce of marijuana is handled as a civil violation rather than a criminal offense under city code. The maximum penalty is a $150 civil citation. City leaders also said alternatives such as substance-abuse recovery classes or community service may be offered in lieu of paying the fine in some cases.

How this fits with Georgia law

Jonesboro’s ordinance does not legalize marijuana and does not change statewide criminal law. Under Georgia law, possession of one ounce or less remains a misdemeanor punishable by up to 12 months in jail and/or a fine up to $1,000. Possession of more than one ounce is treated as a felony under state law, carrying substantially higher penalties.

The practical effect is that consequences can depend on which legal authority is used and which agency makes the stop. Municipal ordinances generally govern how a city chooses to prosecute offenses under its own code. However, state law enforcement actions and prosecutions can still proceed under Georgia statutes, including within municipal boundaries, depending on jurisdiction and circumstances.

Why the council acted — and what concerns were raised

Supporters of the Jonesboro ordinance argued the change is designed to reduce arrests for low-level possession and allow police and courts to concentrate resources on more serious offenses. During the meeting, Councilwoman Chelsey Curney, who introduced the ordinance, said the proposal is not a legalization measure and is intended to align city enforcement with shifting approaches in parts of metro Atlanta.

Opponents raised concerns about mixed messaging to residents, emphasizing that marijuana remains illegal statewide and that a local penalty reduction could create confusion about what is permitted.

Metro Atlanta context: a growing patchwork

Jonesboro’s action adds to a broader trend across metro Atlanta in which local governments have revised municipal penalties for small-amount marijuana possession. Clayton County adopted an ordinance in September that uses a similar civil-fine approach for less than one ounce. Atlanta has had a reduced-penalty ordinance for small possession since 2017.

These policies are not uniform across the region. Penalty amounts, eligibility for diversion options, and enforcement practices vary by jurisdiction, which can create a patchwork of rules for residents who live in one city, work in another, and travel through multiple police jurisdictions in a single day.

What residents should know

• The Jonesboro ordinance applies inside Jonesboro city limits and covers less than one ounce.

• The maximum city-level penalty is a $150 civil citation, with potential alternatives such as classes or community service in some cases.

• Georgia law still criminalizes marijuana possession statewide; state charges can carry up to 12 months in jail and/or a $1,000 fine for one ounce or less.

• More than one ounce can trigger felony exposure under state law, regardless of local ordinances.

The immediate change in Jonesboro is not whether marijuana is legal—it is how the city says it will penalize low-level possession when handled under municipal code.