Katelyn Baker
Well-Known Member
Nashville, TN - The decision to face jail time or a small fine is now in the hands of Metro police officers when it comes to small amounts of marijuana.
During a historic vote at Tuesday night's Metro Council meeting, city leaders overwhelmingly decided to decriminalize small amounts of marijuana in Nashville.
The sponsor of the ordinance said this is not technically decriminalizing marijuana.
"It's not decriminalization. The officers have the opportunity to not treat it as a criminal offense, but the state laws are still on the books just as they always have been," said Councilman Dave Rosenberg, who sponsored the bill.
The ordinance now allows officers to decide if someone possessing less than half an ounce of marijuana should be fined or face criminal charges.
"In a lot other cities where they have done it, the police department offers guidelines to their officers on how to handle that," Rosenberg said.
Metro police shared with Channel 4 some of the guidelines for officers.
In evaluating the circumstances, officers may consider:
According to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, last year in Davidson County 97 percent of marijuana offenses involved an amount of less than a half-ounce.
Mayor Megan Barry signed the ordinance Wednesday afternoon.
"This legislation is a positive step forward in addressing the overly punitive treatment of marijuana possession in our state that disproportionately impacts low-income and minority residents," Barry said.
"This can only make things better. This can only reduce penalties people are getting," Rosenberg said.
News Moderator: Katelyn Baker 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Officers Issued Guidelines To Navigate New Marijuana Ordinance
Author: Heather Hourigan
Photo Credit: Christina Hempfling
Website: WSMV
During a historic vote at Tuesday night's Metro Council meeting, city leaders overwhelmingly decided to decriminalize small amounts of marijuana in Nashville.
The sponsor of the ordinance said this is not technically decriminalizing marijuana.
"It's not decriminalization. The officers have the opportunity to not treat it as a criminal offense, but the state laws are still on the books just as they always have been," said Councilman Dave Rosenberg, who sponsored the bill.
The ordinance now allows officers to decide if someone possessing less than half an ounce of marijuana should be fined or face criminal charges.
"In a lot other cities where they have done it, the police department offers guidelines to their officers on how to handle that," Rosenberg said.
Metro police shared with Channel 4 some of the guidelines for officers.
In evaluating the circumstances, officers may consider:
- The amount and manner the marijuana is possessed or packaged
- The totality of circumstances (is the possession associated with other criminal activities)
- If it's a first time offense council wants officers to issue a citation.
According to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, last year in Davidson County 97 percent of marijuana offenses involved an amount of less than a half-ounce.
Mayor Megan Barry signed the ordinance Wednesday afternoon.
"This legislation is a positive step forward in addressing the overly punitive treatment of marijuana possession in our state that disproportionately impacts low-income and minority residents," Barry said.
"This can only make things better. This can only reduce penalties people are getting," Rosenberg said.
News Moderator: Katelyn Baker 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Officers Issued Guidelines To Navigate New Marijuana Ordinance
Author: Heather Hourigan
Photo Credit: Christina Hempfling
Website: WSMV
