{"id":2539172,"date":"2023-02-28T23:57:42","date_gmt":"2023-03-01T03:57:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/platoai.gbaglobal.org\/platowire\/city-council-urges-governor-lee-to-decriminalize-possession-of-small-quantities-of-marijuana\/"},"modified":"2023-02-28T23:57:42","modified_gmt":"2023-03-01T03:57:42","slug":"city-council-urges-governor-lee-to-decriminalize-possession-of-small-quantities-of-marijuana","status":"publish","type":"platowire","link":"https:\/\/platoai.gbaglobal.org\/platowire\/city-council-urges-governor-lee-to-decriminalize-possession-of-small-quantities-of-marijuana\/","title":{"rendered":"City Council Urges Governor Lee to Decriminalize Possession of Small Quantities of Marijuana"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Nashville City Council recently passed a resolution urging Tennessee Governor Bill Lee to decriminalize possession of small quantities of marijuana. The resolution, which passed with a 35-3 vote, calls for the state to reduce penalties for possession of up to one ounce of marijuana to a civil infraction, rather than a criminal offense.<\/p>\n

The resolution was introduced by Councilman Freddie O’Connell, who argued that current marijuana laws disproportionately affect communities of color and low-income individuals. He also pointed out that the criminalization of marijuana possession can have long-lasting negative effects on individuals, including difficulty finding employment and housing.<\/p>\n

The resolution is not binding, but it sends a strong message to Governor Lee and state lawmakers that there is support for marijuana decriminalization in Nashville. It also follows a trend of other cities and states across the country that have taken similar steps to reduce penalties for marijuana possession.<\/p>\n

In recent years, several states have legalized marijuana for recreational use, while many others have legalized it for medical use. However, Tennessee has been slow to follow suit, with only limited medical marijuana legalization in place.<\/p>\n

Opponents of marijuana decriminalization argue that it sends the wrong message about drug use and could lead to increased drug use among young people. However, supporters argue that it is a common-sense approach that would reduce the burden on the criminal justice system and allow law enforcement to focus on more serious crimes.<\/p>\n

In addition to the Nashville City Council resolution, there have been other recent efforts to decriminalize marijuana in Tennessee. In 2019, a bill was introduced in the state legislature that would have reduced penalties for possession of up to one ounce of marijuana to a $50 fine. However, the bill did not pass.<\/p>\n

Overall, the push for marijuana decriminalization in Tennessee is part of a larger national conversation about drug policy and criminal justice reform. As more states move towards legalization and decriminalization, it is likely that Tennessee will eventually follow suit. However, it remains to be seen how quickly this will happen and what form it will take.<\/p>\n