Nashville DA will no longer prosecute of minor marijuana offenses
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) — Nashville District Attorney Glenn Funk announced his office is eliminating prosecution for minor marijuana charges.
Effective Wednesday, the D.A.'s office will no longer prosecute individuals for possession of less than a half ounce of marijuana.
It's a move that's gotten approval of Mayor John Cooper.
"I support the DA’s decision to stop prosecuting minor marijuana offenses in Davidson County," Mayor Cooper tweeted. "We need to continue working to ensure that people have access to drug treatment and that we are doing everything we can to keep nonviolent young people out of the criminal justice system."
The D.A.'s office said this will take away the "negative effects" of a criminal charge, which could include potential jail time and " collateral consequences on employment and housing."
Funk's office also said the move will decrease jail housing costs and courts and clerk's will see savings from fewer docket cases.
Funk also released marijuana arrests by race. The data showed Black individuals lead the numbers of arrest and citations when it comes to simple possession of marijuana.
marijuana arrests by race."Finally, and of great importance, demographic statistics indicate that these charges impact minorities in a disproportionate manner.," the D.A.'s office said in a statement. "This policy will eliminate this area of disproportionality in the justice system."
Funk said the time and resources formerly prosecuting these minor marijuana cases will go toward supporting victims and prosecuting violent crime.
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