The Chattanooga City Council is taking a stand on marijuana possession penalties. Councilwoman Demetrus Coonrod, representing Eastdale, has drafted a letter urging Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee to reconsider penalties for simple possession of marijuana up to half an ounce. Coonrod argues that penalties for marijuana possession have upended too many lives and disproportionately impacted Black and brown communities.
Background on the Issue
Currently, possession of up to half an ounce of marijuana is a misdemeanor in Tennessee, punishable by up to a year in jail and a maximum fine of $2,500. Coonrod’s proposed letter highlights the fact that Black and brown communities have been arrested, prosecuted, and convicted at disproportionate rates despite similar usage rates among white communities. Criminal records for marijuana possession have also imposed needless barriers to employment, housing, and educational opportunities.
Biden’s Action and Coonrod’s Proposed Letter
In October, President Joe Biden announced pardons for thousands of people convicted of simple possession of marijuana under federal law and asked governors to do the same for state offenses. Biden’s statement also indicated that he would ask U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland and U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra to review how marijuana is scheduled under federal law. Coonrod’s proposed letter to Lee echoes Biden’s call for change and asks Lee to consider the action taken by the President in the state.
Medical Marijuana Expansion and Call for Uniform
Legal Requirements Coonrod’s proposed letter also points out that Tennessee recently expanded its medical marijuana rules, allowing people with Alzheimer’s disease, late-stage cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, Parkinson’s disease, sickle cell disease, and other specific conditions to possess CBD oil containing less than 0.9% THC. The letter asks Lee to provide guidance and help on developing uniform legal requirements for possession, sales, and taxation on all THC, CBD, and small amounts of marijuana in the state that are uniform with all contiguous states to Tennessee.
Councilwoman Hill’s Support and Police
Department’s Stance Coonrod’s proposed letter is co-sponsored by Councilwoman Jenny Hill, representing North Chattanooga. Hill praised Coonrod for bringing thought-provoking and forward-thinking items to the council and believes that it is appropriate to take an intentional look at the way that the state of Tennessee handles marijuana crimes and sentencing. The Chattanooga Police Department does not specifically track the frequency with which officers enforce penalties for simple marijuana possession, and Assistant Police Chief Jerri Sutton stated that the department has not taken a stance on the matter, leaving it to officers’ discretion for enforcement of the law.
