NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – Nashville District Attorney General Glenn Funk announced on Wednesday that his office will no longer prosecute individuals for possession of less than a half-ounce of marijuana.
“Marijuana charges do little to promote public health, and even less to promote public safety,” Funk’s office said in a statement explaining the decision.
The new policy will benefit people who would otherwise have to deal with criminal charges and possible jail time with corresponding negative consequences to their employment and housing. Charges for minor marijuana offenses disproportionately impact minorities, the statement said, citing demographic statistics.
Under Tennessee law, possession of a half-ounce of marijuana or less is a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and a $2,500 fine.
The change is also expected to decrease court and jail costs. Funk’s office said the resources going toward prosecuting minor marijuana offenses “must be devoted to supporting victims and prosecuting violent crime.”