Discussions on Marijuana-Related Charges Are Conducted By a City Councilwoman!

The Southern Poverty Law Center and one city council member are pushing for a policy shift that would replace arrests with tickets for minor marijuana offenses. Anyone found in possession of even a little amount of marijuana in Montgomery is currently subject to criminal penalties.

Marche Johnson, a councilwoman representing Ward 3, plans to introduce a motion to change the law. In 2022, Tuscaloosa also adopted a law with a similar language. The friction between the community and law enforcement, according to Johnson, would be reduced on first contact.

Marche Johnson stated, “We’ve seen where early exchanges have gone too far here in the United States, nevertheless, Alabama.” Johnson and the SPLC agree that a charge of misdemeanor possession should be treated no differently from, say, a ticket for speeding or a violation for running a red light.

‘I think we have a common sense understanding that somebody that is only in possession of a personal amount of marijuana is not an imminent threat or imminent risk to people around them or to the community,’ said Jerome Dees, SPLC Alabama Policy Director.

Dees stated that there are advantages for everyone involved, including the city saving money and the police department saving time. The policy director remarked that this would prevent people from losing their jobs and having to pay large sums of money for bail.

The councilwoman said the initiative has the backing of both Mayor Steven Reed and Police Chief Darryl Albert in Montgomery. At the April 18 city council meeting, Johnson will introduce the resolution and invite public comment.