The Louisville Metro Council wants to make possessing small amounts of marijuana a low priority for law enforcement officers.The amendment, passed by a 15-9 vote Tuesday night, applies to quantities of marijuana that are less than a half ounce and are kept for personal use by someone 21 or older. "There are thousands and thousands and thousands of people in this community, disproportionately black Louisvillians, who go through the criminal justice system with this infraction," Councilman Brandon Coan said. "It appears on their records. It could affect their job prospects and their families and their lives for something (that is) legal in a dozen states and being considered in a handful more."The legislation does not decriminalize marijuana or change Kentucky's law, which classifies marijuana possession as a misdemeanor. Officers who disregard the mandate will not be punished. The measure will now head to Mayor Greg Fischer for approval.

The Louisville Metro Council wants to make possessing small amounts of marijuana a low priority for law enforcement officers.



The amendment, passed by a 15-9 vote Tuesday night, applies to quantities of marijuana that are less than a half ounce and are kept for personal use by someone 21 or older.


"There are thousands and thousands and thousands of people in this community, disproportionately black Louisvillians, who go through the criminal justice system with this infraction," Councilman Brandon Coan said. "It appears on their records. It could affect their job prospects and their families and their lives for something (that is) legal in a dozen states and being considered in a handful more."

The legislation does not decriminalize marijuana or change Kentucky's law, which classifies marijuana possession as a misdemeanor. Officers who disregard the mandate will not be punished.

The measure will now head to Mayor Greg Fischer for approval.