ATLANTA | Possession of marijuana would no longer be a felony under legislation awaiting lawmakers when they return next week.

Democrat Harold Jones of Augusta filed Senate Bill 254 on Dec. 29 that would make possession of any amount a misdemeanor.

That would make the maximum punishment 12 months in jail and $1,000.The freshman senator announced the proposal Monday, noting that 10 states already consider marijuana possession a minor crime.

“In no way would my bill legalize the possession or selling of narcotics,” said Jones, who prosecuted misdemeanors in Augusta before his election to the Senate.

Click here to read the complete article

Walter C. Jones ~ Jacksonville.com ~