Nashville Marijuana Decriminalization Ordinance Passes

NASHVILLE – The Nashville Metro Council tonight passed an ordinance that decriminalizes possession of half an ounce of marijuana or less and reduces the penalty to a $50 fine or up to 10 hours of community service.

The following can be attributed to Hedy Weinberg, executive director of the ACLU of Tennessee:

“ACLU-TN applauds the members of Metro Council who voted for a smarter approach to marijuana possession. For far too long, thousands of Nashvillians —including a disproportionate number of Black residents — have been arrested for possession of tiny amounts of marijuana. These arrests have led to disastrous consequences for their lives, including the loss of job, education and housing opportunities. This ordinance could significantly reduce the costly incarceration rate for this low-level violation, freeing law enforcement to focus on addressing violent crime and keeping our community safer.”