City by City Marijuana Decrim Initiative
The Ga. Cannabis Industry Alliance Advisory Board has Approved this Action for the 2020 Agenda. Volunteer recruitment and sponsoring for action to begin no later than the 3rd Week of November of 2019.
The Ga. Cannabis Industry Alliance board of advisors has named Stephen George as Chair Person of the City by City Legislative Initiative Committee.
City by City Legislative Initiative:
The City by City Initiative is a campaign that represents an organized grassroots effort to advance legislative reform on a city level in the state of Georgia. This campaign was developed by our sister organization The Georgia CARE Project.
The Goals of this Campaign:
Harm Reduction.
By changing local laws we can minimize the harm inflicted on Georgians by misdemeanor cannabis possession charges and prevent their entry into the criminal justice system. Research shows drug laws disproportionately impact communities of color. City’s that adopt this marijuana ordinance would remove jail time and reduce the fine for one ounce or less of cannabis.
To bring other Georgia Municipalities in line with their peers who have adapted these resolutions.
Legislative Advocacy:
Our ultimate goal is to see state law change to accomplish the full decriminalization of cannabis. By taking criminal justice reform to the city level, outside of the state’s control, the legislature will be forced to give the issue proper consideration.
Further Change Public Opinion:
While the majority of Georgians are ready to see the decriminalization of cannabis, many remain lethargic about changing the status quo. By pushing forward local changes, they will realize that change is possible and stand up to show their support.
City Level Progress:
• Clarkston, Ga.
• Marietta, Ga.
• Gwinnett County, Ga.
• Chamblee, Ga.
• Savannah, Ga.
• Forest Park, Ga.
• Macon, Ga.
• Fairburn, Ga.
• Kingsland, Ga.
• Statesboro, Ga.
“For me, this isn’t about whether smoking marijuana is right or wrong, it’s about preventing people from entering the criminal justice system and having their lives ruined over a simple possession charge,” said Brian Mock, the Chamblee councilman who proposed the change in city code.
”Stephen M. George Jr, MPA.
Stephen is a lifelong native of Cobb County GA, where he and his wife Cindy live. Stephen is a graduate of Wills High School and is a double graduate of Kennesaw State University with a B.S in Public & Social Services, Formal Minor in Philosophy and a Master of Public Administration, with Clinical Concentration in College Student Success, Enrollment, and Advising Services . He also has completed substantive study for his PhD at Capella University.
A 100% Permanently and Totally Disabled Veteran–TBI & PTSD– with over 36 months of overseas hazardous duty service with U.S. Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC), Stephen has worn many hats during his 40 years of public service. He had been a child advocate where he managed educational programs for those youth most at risk within the system. Additionally, while caring for his grandmother as she battled a 15 year struggle with Alzheimers/Age Related Dementia he became a fearless advocate for the elderly.
Stephen has written legislation and has influenced policy at the local and state level. Currently Stephen is serving as a political appointee from Cobb County to the GA Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Disabilities. And, despite being a fierce medical marijuana advocate as well as a very vocal advocate for full legalization of cannabis, Stephen was invited to facilitate Cobb County Police Department’s Community Crisis Intervention Training/Team Monthly Meeting over 2 1/2 years ago …and he’s still there!
Stephen has a proven track record of identifying previously untapped local community based assets that can be leveraged to “fill the gaps of the social service delivery system(s).” He is an academically trained public administrator and possesses a keen moral compass. Managers do things the right way …Leaders do the right thing. Stephen is a true “servant” leader!”
Contact Stephen