The Koozer-Kuhn Tennessee Marijuana Legalization Bill

By Arline Bradley


Early this year, a new bill introduced by Sherry Jones, House Representative was placed on the calendar. This bill attempts to legalize cannabis and establish the beginning of what is hoped to be a Tennessee marijuana legalization program like those found in other states. The Koozer-Kuhn Medical Marijuana Act would legalize cannabis for medical use.

While there are proponents desiring full legalization, most believe only medical will become law. The establishment of a medical program would still be progress. Many cancer patients and others who qualify for medical cards will be extremely grateful if this is the case.

Some states which have supported full legalization have created a new era of public discussion. Cannabis and various forms of use are now being discussed in coffee shops, restaurants, newspapers and online in all areas of the country. Whereas for the last 100 years, individuals were fearful of even mentioning marijuana due to the strict laws which many states impose.

Conservative states may never see full legalization like Colorado and Washington which only legalized the herb for personal use a short time ago. Texas has at least signed decriminalization into law though not to support legalization. Rather, to keep young people from spending time in jail and away from other more harmful criminals.

Washington and Colorado, states which have chosen to fully legalize the herb, have created a new wave of discussion in a number of public forums. Many states not yet making cannabis available to those effected by various ailments are now looking at both options. Others are looking at fully legalizing marijuana so as to build a surplus rather than continuing to operate on borrowed money.

There are now twenty one which have legalized marijuana for medical use. As Colorado and Washington are now seeing a surplus with regards to monetary standing, there is no doubt others will follow. As for Tennessee, Texas and other conservative areas, this remains to be seen.

Whether or not Tennessee creates a medical marijuana program is yet to be seen based on the outcome of this new bill. It is an ongoing belief that this bill has a better chance of passing than one wishing to fully legalize cannabis for personal use. There are also supporters on both sides which believe it should either be fully available to all citizens, or not at all.

Many State lawmakers once opposed to legalizing cannabis in entirety are now more open to listening to local community members in public forums. In many areas, this alone is progress. Representatives also suggest that if local residents can prove medical cannabis is a good idea, views and votes may change.

A number of individuals in the United States believe legalizing cannabis on a federal level is still a better option. Only time will tell as to whether Tennessee, Texas and other conservative areas will become more open minded and follow suit with Colorado and Washington. Or, whether individuals suffering from cancers and other disease who wish to try medical cannabis, will ever have the opportunity.




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