Hip Hop World Reacts To Atlanta City Council Decriminalizing Weed

In a unanimous vote of 15-0, the Atlanta City Council passed an ordinance decriminalizing marijuana possession Monday (Oct. 2). The move drastically reduces sentencing if you are caught in possession of small amounts of weed.

As it stands now, getting nabbed with up to an ounce of weed comes with a maximum penalty of $1,000 and up to 6 months behind bars. The new ordinance shrinks that penalty to a $75 ticket and no jail time.

Councilman and mayoral candidate Kwanza Hall proposed the ordinance. He told V-103, “Currently, we are seeing families torn apart. We’re seeing young people lose their scholarships. We’re seeing people become unemployable, all because of possession of less than an ounce.” Hall added that 92% of those arrested and thrown in jail for marijuana possession of less than an ounce are African American. He also pointed out that the move would save the city millions of dollars on imprisonment, booking and court time.

Some of ATL’s biggest stars reacted to the news on social media. 2 Chainz reposted a news article on Instagram. In his caption, he wrote, “@Kwanza Hall !!!! Mannn this will save so many young people from bulls**t charges that later haunt them.”

Big Boi also reposted an article with the caption, “#Atliens Up!”

Killer Mike took it a step further by posting a video (where smoke can be seen blowing around) calling the move “progressive” and “smart.”

All the ordinance needs to become law is a signature from current Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed. He has eight calendar days to do so or veto it.

Source: hotnewhiphop.com