LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WAVE 3)– Louisville could soon have softer laws on marijuana possession.

A proposed ordinance would make having a small amount intended for personal use the lowest law enforcement priority.

The ordinance wouldn’t apply to the distribution or sale of marijuana, DUI, drug violence, or possession by someone under the age of 21.

It also wouldn’t supersede federal law.

But advocates say it will help people from getting a costly criminal record, lower the volume of people in court, and save the city money at a time when metro government faces deep budget cuts.

“It’s going to use our law enforcement resources for bad or worse crimes than cannabis possession,” said Dan Seum Jr., a cannabis advocate.

With four sponsors already, advocates say they feel the ordinance has a good chance of passing.

But Thrusday night was just a first step in the process.

The ordinance would have to be debated and approved at different levels of metro council before it comes for a vote.