The Nashville Metro Council has passed on second reading a proposal to decriminalize marijuana. Final reading is coming up soon. It has a ton of support locally and is expected to pass. The proposal is to make possession of marijuana less than one half ounce a civil matter much like a traffic ticket. It would carry a $50.00 fine. Nashville residents who enjoy a little 420 should not rejoice yet.

Is the local ordinance legally valid ? Probably not.

A local ordinance does not trump state law. The effort to decriminalize marijuana here in Nashville is just a waste of time. Nashville police can still enforce Tennessee state law governing the possession of marijuana.

Decriminalizing marijuana will only be effective if it done on a state level. It is a lot of talk with no real change in the law.