Nashville Ordinance to Decriminalize Marijuana Possession

A new ordinance introduced in Nashville, Tennessee, would decriminalize possession of small amounts of marijuana. The current penalties for possession in Nashville entail up to six years in jail and up to $5,000 in fines for possessing just half an ounce or less of marijuana. City council members agree that charges like this can ruin people’s lives.

If the ordinance passes, offenders would receive a civil offense citation resulting in a $50 ticket and a set amount of community service, according to WRCB. Metro police reported 18,000 marijuana-related arrests in the past 18 months. Most of those arrests were misdemeanors.

Mayor Megan Barry is reviewing the ordinance. A former state trooper and a council member sponsor the bill. Mayor Barry claims to generally support the ordinance.