Marijuana Legislation Is Once Again Up For Debate In Tennessee
Image Credit: Pixnio / CC0 & James St. John / CC
The Tennessee Conservative [By Adelia Kirchner] –
This isn’t the first time that Tennessee’s General Assembly has taken on the hot topic of marijuana, and it likely won’t be the last.
Historically, bills aiming to decriminalize marijuana, even for medical purposes, have not made it very far with the state’s legislature.
Regardless, there are a few bills that Tennessee residents may want to keep an eye on throughout this legislative session.
Rep. Jesse Chism (D-Memphis-District 85) has filed House Bill 0173 (HB0173), which would simply require each county’s election commission to include the following yes or no questions on the 2024 November ballot:
1. Should the State of Tennessee legalize medical marijuana?
2. Should the State of Tennessee decriminalize possession of less than one ounce (1 oz.) of marijuana?
3. Should the State of Tennessee legalize and regulate commercial sales of recreational use marijuana?
A report containing the results of this public opinion poll would then be forwarded to each General Assembly member, to gauge constituent opinion more accurately.
Another bill proposed by Rep. Chism, House Bill 0172 (HB0172), would roll out the “Tennessee Medical Cannabis Act”, effectively legalizing the use of medical marijuana within the state of Tennessee.
Although Rep. Chism’s proposals seem to focus solely on the medical aspects of marijuana, Rep. Bob Freeman (D-Nashville-District 56) has filed his own bill on recreational usage.
House Bill 0085 (HB0085) would allow the Tennessee Department of Agriculture to create a program for the cultivation, processing, and sale of recreational marijuana.
The text of this legislation offers up multiple premises, stating that “thirty-eight states have a marijuana regulatory structure, and Tennessee should act forthwith in order to remain competitive nationally and globally […] Tennessee businesses believe in the promotion of free and fair markets […] and this act does so by protecting Tennessee farmers, processors, and retailers from undue influence on intrastate cannabis markets […] Tennesseans believe in product safety and the protection of minors […] and this act includes measures to provide funding for both.”
The current drafting of the bill would allow adult individuals to use, possess, and transport up to 60 grams of marijuana or up to 15 grams of marijuana concentrate. Individuals would also be able to grow up to 12 marijuana plants for personal use, in a private location on their own property.
The corresponding Senate Bill, SB0168, is being sponsored by Sen. Heidi Campbell (D-Nashville-District 20).
As of January 12th, 2023, this legislation has officially been introduced in the House of Representatives. Once Standing Committees are finalized, the bill will be referred to the appropriate committee for review.
Given the General Assembly’s history with marijuana legislation and the negotiations that often take place during the legislative session, this bill could undergo many changes. Even if it does make its way out of committee, the end result could look entirely different.
About the Author: Adelia Kirchner is a Tennessee resident and reporter for the Tennessee Conservative. Currently the host of Subtle Rampage Podcast, she has also worked for the South Dakota State Legislature and interned for Senator Bill Hagerty’s Office in Nashville, Tennessee.
Let Tennessee be the final holdout on legalizing marijuana activity in any form. Any income obtained for the state rides on the backs of our youth (and adults) destined to play video games on the basement couch indefinitely, if not traffic violations, pot most assuredly falling into the hands of minors, and entry into harder drugs. Marijuana is not your father’s marijuana and its contents are multiple times more potent, mind-altering and harmful.
Research finds that for every state tax dollar gained by legalizing marijuana, multiple dollars in costs result from enforcement, abuse, health care and administration. Ask Colorado and read Reefer Sanity: Seven Great Myths about Marijuana by Kevin A. Sabat Ph.D.
Smoking any substance is harmful to the lungs which is why we want cigarette smoking to DECLINE.
When does the public vote on a so-called medicinal drug’s admission to society? Were we allowed to vote on COVID drugs?
Finally, as the mother of a recovering addict and ten years in the field of drug prevention, I suggest the legislators proposing these bills solicit opinions from recovering drug addicts regarding marijuana as a gateway drug to the abuse of harder substances. No one asks them.
I moved here from Colorado. I can attest to the fact that DUI increased after marijuana became legal. You are correct that what is being grown is not your 70’s weed. It is much more potent. Even if the smoking of marijuana is banned, gummies were being left out and children and pets were being poisoned by it. There is no way to regulate the potency you receive in these gummies. It is a gateway drug to further drug abuse. The smell is absolutely nauseating. Not only that but the grow houses use a lot of energy and water. I absolutely do not want to see it legalized here. People who want it here just because everyone else does I say If you want it ,MOVE!
Retire Nurse who became fed up with dealing with preventable drug addicted people
Tn legislature caught in the act again of turning Tennessee purple, then blue.
Will these idiots ever learn
Open your $$ eyes and look at California, Colorado and other states, especially the human cost littering their sidewalks.
Is Tn going to fund drug rehab treatment centers, increase the public burden with exploding bureaucracy.
Go back to Era of forgiving individuals bc they were under the influence.
How many of these politicians have contacted MADD
IDIOTS ONE AND ALL