City Council Urges Governor Lee to Eliminate Criminal Penalties for Possession of Small Amounts of Marijuana

The Nashville City Council recently passed a resolution urging Governor Bill Lee to eliminate criminal penalties for possession of small amounts of marijuana. The resolution, which passed with a 35-3 vote, calls for the decriminalization of possession of up to one ounce of marijuana.

The resolution is part of a growing movement across the country to reform marijuana laws. Many states have already legalized marijuana for medical or recreational use, and others have decriminalized possession of small amounts. However, Tennessee has some of the strictest marijuana laws in the country, with possession of even a small amount punishable by up to a year in jail and a $2,500 fine.

The Nashville City Council’s resolution argues that criminalizing marijuana possession disproportionately affects communities of color and low-income individuals. According to a report by the American Civil Liberties Union, black people in Tennessee are 3.4 times more likely to be arrested for marijuana possession than white people, despite similar rates of use.

The resolution also notes that criminalizing marijuana possession can have long-term consequences for individuals, including difficulty finding employment and housing. By decriminalizing possession of small amounts of marijuana, the resolution argues, individuals can avoid these negative consequences and focus on more productive activities.

Governor Lee has not yet commented on the resolution, but it is unclear whether he would support decriminalization. In the past, he has expressed opposition to legalizing marijuana for medical or recreational use, citing concerns about public health and safety.

However, the Nashville City Council’s resolution is an important step in the push for marijuana reform in Tennessee. It sends a message to state lawmakers and the governor that there is growing support for decriminalization and that current laws are unjust and ineffective.

In addition to the Nashville City Council’s resolution, there are other efforts underway to reform marijuana laws in Tennessee. State lawmakers have introduced bills to legalize medical marijuana and to reduce penalties for possession of small amounts. While these efforts have not yet been successful, they show that there is momentum for change.

Overall, the Nashville City Council’s resolution is an important development in the push for marijuana reform in Tennessee. By urging Governor Lee to eliminate criminal penalties for possession of small amounts of marijuana, the resolution highlights the unjust and ineffective nature of current laws and sends a message that change is needed.

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