A couple of lawmakers in Tennessee have moved to do something about legalizing marijuana in the state.
State Rep. Jason Powell, a Democrat, introduced a bill allowing for medical marijuana use after saying he’s heard support on it from other Tennesseans, according to NewsNation affiliate WKRN.
“The reality is what we need to do is focus on helping Tennesseans who have severe chronic and terrible health conditions — their quality of life would be greatly enhanced with medical cannabis,” Powell said.
Democratic Rep. Bob Freeman is also proposing a bill to completely legalize cannabis in the state, saying the 25-year war on drugs has sent many people to
prison, and ruined lives.
“It’s time we move past this and legalized it – 37 states have already done this,” Freeman said.
According to Freeman, Tennessee is missing out on growing, cultivating, selling and taxing weed, meaning the state is also missing out on a billion-dollar industry.
“Obviously, it’s illegal today and there’s no tax revenue gained,” Freeman said.
Lt. Gov. Randy McNally, who presides over the Senate, says his support for the pending bills is contingent upon the removal of marijuana from the Schedule 1 controlled substances list.
“Schedule 1 has no legitimate medical use and it (has) a high ability to cause addiction or dependency,” McNally said.
