The Nashville City Council recently passed a resolution urging Governor Bill Lee to remove 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 a response to the disproportionate impact that marijuana laws have on communities of color. According to a report by the American Civil Liberties Union, black people are 3.6 times more likely to be arrested for marijuana possession than white people, despite similar usage rates.
The resolution also notes that criminalizing marijuana possession can have long-lasting negative effects on individuals, including difficulty finding employment and housing, as well as loss of voting rights.
The resolution does not legalize marijuana, but rather seeks to reduce the harm caused by criminalizing possession of small amounts. Under the current law, possession of up to one ounce of marijuana is a misdemeanor offense punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $2,500.
Several other cities in Tennessee have already passed similar resolutions, including Memphis and Knoxville. However, the state legislature has yet to take action on the issue.
Governor Lee has previously expressed opposition to the legalization of marijuana for recreational use, but has indicated support for medical marijuana. In 2019, he signed a bill allowing for the use of cannabis oil for medical purposes.
The Nashville City Council’s resolution is part of a larger movement towards marijuana reform in the United States. Currently, 36 states and the District of Columbia have legalized medical marijuana, and 15 states and the District of Columbia have legalized recreational marijuana.
Proponents of marijuana reform argue that it can generate revenue for states through taxes and create jobs in the legal cannabis industry. They also argue that it can reduce the harm caused by the criminalization of marijuana, including racial disparities in enforcement and the negative effects on individuals’ lives.
Opponents of marijuana reform argue that it can lead to increased drug use and addiction, as well as negative health effects. They also argue that it can lead to increased crime and impaired driving.
Overall, the Nashville City Council’s resolution is a step towards reducing the harm caused by criminalizing possession of small amounts of marijuana. It remains to be seen whether Governor Lee will take action on the issue, but the resolution sends a clear message that the current laws are unjust and disproportionately impact communities of color.
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