A new strategy announced by the Jefferson County Attorney's Office Wednesday will make Louisville the latest city in the nation to no longer prosecute cases involving a small amount of marijuana.

The Courier Journal first reported Wednesday morning that Jefferson County Attorney Mike O'Connell's office will no longer prosecute possession of marijuana cases involving one ounce or less, so long as that is the only charge or the most serious charge against the defendant.

The new policy comes as other counties and cities across the nation have relaxed prosecution efforts in marijuana cases over the past few years and numerous states have legalized the use of marijuana for recreational and medicinal usages.

Here's what to know about the new marijuana possession policy:

What cases fall under the new policy?

Besides cases involving an ounce or less of marijuana in which the charge is the only charge or most serious charge against the defendant, the county attorney's office will decline to prosecute cases involving possession of drug paraphernalia when that is "clearly only used" for marijuana consumption.

What marijuana cases will still be prosecuted?

Marijuana cases involving trafficking, cultivation, driving under the influence, public consumption or intoxication are not covered under the new policy and could still face prosecution, according to the county attorney's office.

Is there an age cutoff on prosecution?

Sorry kids, the policy will only apply to people who are 21 years or older. If you're younger, you will still face charges.

When does it take effect?

Immediately. O'Connell said people currently facing such cases will not be prosecuted but the policy does not apply to prior convictions. Under state law, people who have been convicted in such instances can have their cases erased from their record after 60 days.

What's behind the marijuana policy?

O'Connell said the policy will work toward equal enforcement of laws along racial lines and allow his office to better use its limited resources.

The county attorney cited statistics showing that African Americans are disproportionately arrested for marijuana possession compared to white people.

A Courier Journal investigation published in January looked at 21,607 marijuana possession cases in 2017 and found that African Americans accounted for two-thirds of those charged, with black drivers cited for possession at six times the rate of white people.

That disparity occurred despite national studies showing that both groups smoke marijuana at roughly the same rate.

In June, Louisville Metro Council passed an ordinance by a 15-9 vote making arrests for possession of half an ounce or less of marijuana the lowest law enforcement priority for officers.

What are current penalties for marijuana possession?

Kentucky statutes classify possession of less than eight ounces of marijuana as a misdemeanor punishable by up to 45 days in jail and a $250 fine.

But a 2012 law allows individuals to have such charges voided from their record after 60 days.

How are police reacting to the policy?

Following the announcement of the policy, Louisville Metro Police Chief Steve Conrad said that "LMPD respects the decision of the County Attorney's Office not to prosecute possession of small amounts of marijuana."

"Our officers will be instructed not to routinely write citations for this specific offense based on guidelines provided by the County Attorney's Office," Conrad said. "Still, it is important for the public to understand marijuana possession remains illegal in Kentucky and as police officers we have a sworn duty to uphold the law."

Will police still be able to seize marijuana from suspects?

Yes. Conrad said LMPD "prioritizes its resources on violent crime" and that investigations involving violent crime and marijuana possession can "intersect."

"As marijuana remains illegal in Kentucky, the detection of marijuana during an investigation may still provide probable cause for officers to conduct a search," Conrad said. "Additionally, officers who find marijuana in small amounts may still seize the drug and process it through our property room, whether there is a citation written or not."

How does Mayor Fischer feel about it?

Jean Porter, a spokeswoman for Mayor Greg Fischer, told the Courier Journal in a statement, "We respect the decision of the County Attorney's Office amid an evolving conversation around marijuana here and across the U.S, and support Chief Conrad's efforts to adjust LMPD's practices in response to the new policy.

"The Mayor understands that this is an issue that relates to a range of others, including equity, and encourages the discussion surrounding marijuana policy to continue here in Louisville and at the state and federal level," Porter said.

Can the county attorney unilaterally do this?

O'Connell says he has prosecutorial discretion under Kentucky law.

Do other counties and/or cities have similar policies?

Louisville is certainly not the first city to experiment with decriminalizing marijuana possession.

In June, the Cincinnati City Council voted to decriminalize marijuana possession and allow individuals to have up to 3.5 ounces without fear of fines or prosecution.

Following the vote, The Enquirer reported that Cincinnati joined more than 50 communities in a dozen states that have ended prosecution or enacted municipal laws decriminalizing minor marijuana violations.

Indiana prohibits the possession of marijuana in any form. Possessing less than 30 grams is a misdemeanor offense, and more than 30 grams is a felony in the Hoosier State.

In Tennessee, local lawmakers in the state's two largest cities — Memphis and Nashville — approved ordinances in 2016 that gave police the discretion to charge someone with a civil infraction instead of a more hefty criminal penalty for possessing small amounts of marijuana.

But the following year, the Tennessee state legislature passed and then-Gov. Bill Haslam signed a Republican-backed bill that repealed those local marijuana decriminalization laws.

Besides the marijuana decriminalization efforts, 11 states and the District of Columbia have made recreational marijuana legal. Marijuana can also be used for medical purposes in 33 states.

Kentucky does not allow recreational or medicinal marijuana use, but it is legal in the Bluegrass State to own CBD oil derived from industrial hemp.

Reach Billy Kobin at bkobin@courierjournal.com or 502-582-7030. Support strong local journalism by subscribing today: courier-journal.com/subscribe.