Nashville, TN Public Conduct: Public Marijuana Use (2026)
Key Facts
- Threshold
- Up to one-half ounce (14.175 g)
- Penalty
- $50 civil citation, not arrest
- Alternative
- Up to 10 hours community service
- Citation
- Metropolitan Code of Laws § 11.32.030
- Enacted
- Ordinance BL2016-378 (2016)
Summary
Metro Nashville treats possession of up to a half-ounce of marijuana as a civil offense: police issue a $50 citation instead of an arrest, with community service available in lieu of the fine.
A. It is an offense for a person to knowingly possess a small amount of marijuana not in excess of one-half ounce (14.175 grams). B. A police officer shall have the authority to issue a civil citation to persons found in violation of this section. The amount of the civil penalty shall be fifty dollars for each violation. The court may, in its discretion, suspend the civil penalty imposed under this subsection if the person found liable agrees to and does in fact perform such community service as the court deems appropriate, up to ten hours.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 53 | Charter: Republication 9).
Full Breakdown
Metropolitan Code of Laws § 11.32.030, enacted by Ordinance BL2016-378 in 2016, makes possession of marijuana up to one-half ounce (14.175 grams) a civil offense rather than a criminal one. A Metro police officer can issue a civil citation carrying a $50 penalty per violation instead of an arrest. The Metropolitan Court can suspend that $50 penalty entirely if the person completes up to ten hours of community service. The section sits in Title 11's general regulations, covering the consolidated Metro government's General Services District: it does not extend into the six satellite cities inside Davidson County, which keep their own municipal codes.
Violations & Fines
Violating Metro Code § 11.32.030 draws a $50 civil citation per offense from Metro police, not a criminal charge; Metropolitan Court can waive the fine for up to ten hours of community service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I be arrested for a small amount of marijuana in Nashville?
Can the $50 fine be waived?
Does this apply everywhere in Davidson County?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Nashville
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