ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - Clayton County commissioners voted to partially decriminalize possession of marijuana during a board meeting on Tuesday.

According to a new ordinance, anyone caught with less than one ounce of marijuana may be fined up to $150. The punishment is civil, not criminal, and the accused won’t face jail time.

Under state law , anyone found guilty of possessing less than an ounce of marijuana may face a fine of up to $1,000 or up to a year in prison.

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In the ordinance, commissioners said the move allows the legal system and law enforcement to focus on more serious offenses. They also recognized that enforcement has disproportionately impacted marginalized communities.

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