WIlliamson County Sheriff Shudders at Idea of Nashville Decriminalizing Pot

FRANKLIN, TN — Williamson County's sheriff is concerned about a ripple effect with deleterious results if Nashville decriminalizes the possession of small amounts of marijuana.

Sheriff Jeff Long warned the county commission's law enforcement committee of "an impact" on Davidson County's southern neighbor if the Metro Council passes the proposal which drastically reduces the penalty for possession of less than a half-ounce of pot.

“The problem is going to be, if one locality changes it, in Metro, it will come across the county line. It will have an impact everywhere around it,” the sheriff predicted vaguely.

Long sees the Metro proposal, which would make the small-potatoes possession penalty a $50 fine, and the recent change in state law that changed third-offense small possession charges from a felony to a misdemeanor as opening loopholes for dealers, according to the Brentwood Home Page.

“Here is what happens: a dealer will carry just a half-ounce with him, and leave the rest in the car, then go back and return with another half-ounce,” he said. “And you never get him for the felony or the sale, like you should.”

According to the Home Page, Commissioner Barb Sturgeon wondered if the county could actually increase the penalty beyond the state threshold, but the idea was quickly deflated by the county attorney who said such a change would be ignored or ruled unconstitutional.

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