The Drug Rehabilitation

Sunday, May 18, 2014

The Tennessee Marijuana Legalization Bill Of 2014

By Arline Bradley


A new bill has been introduced to the Tennessee House of Representatives. Presented as the Koozer-Kuhn Marijuana Act, the bill promotes Tennessee marijuana legalization for medical use. Opposition remains strong, though there appear to be more supporters than those who oppose the bill.

Supporters of the bill range widely from those who only support medical marijuana to others who opt for making the herb legal for personal use. There are also those who support legalization strictly for medical reasons. Whatever the outcome, it is important that the herb be taxed and regulated appropriately.

Research reported in a number of medical and scientific journals show that cannabis has proven to not only cure but prevent some cancers and other disease. It is for this reason and others that Colorado and Washington have now legalized marijuana for personal use. Others, like Texas have become more relaxed about laws pertaining to possession though have chosen decriminalization over legalization.

Decriminalization in conservative states like Texas is progress. It was only 100 years ago when individuals could buy cannabis over the counter, or place mail orders in the State. It became illegal to possess or use cannabis beginning with Texas in the early 1900s, after which other states followed suit.

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.

Twenty one states in all, with Maryland and the District of Columbia being the most recent, now have medical programs. Unless legalized on a federal level, there will most likely be states which never see these results. It does appear support is growing nationwide for not only legalizing medical cannabis but for personal use.

Whether or not representatives sign this new bill into law remains to be seen. There are proponents for making cannabis legal on both sides of the coin. Some prefer it to only be available medically, while others will not vote unless it is for full legalization. According to recent polls, most believe there should be avenues for all citizens to obtain the herb whether for use on a medical or personal basis.

There are many lawmakers in both liberal and conservative areas of the United States telling local citizens if it can be proven that medical cannabis cures or prevents disease, votes and views may change. In many areas, this alone is progress. As for Tennessee, only the House of Representatives, citizens and voters have the power to change current laws relating to legalization.

Unlike Washington and Colorado, Tennessee, Texas and other more conservative states may never see the full and open legal use of marijuana. It is believed that a number of remaining states may find a way to make it legal for medical reasons. Many individuals suffering both curable and incurable ailments hope this day comes sooner rather than later.




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