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.
Other states recently supporting full legalization of cannabis have created an increased level of support for medical use, or at the very least decriminalization. This includes Texas, the first state to make the herb illegal just over one hundred years ago. A state where citizens were once able to purchase cannabis over the counter, or place an order by U. S. Mail.
While Texas may never see full legalization, it is progress that a bill has passed that allows officers to use "cite and release" measures based on those caught with up to less than four ounces. It is not okay that the law leaves discretion to local authorities as this can promote individual profiling. The main reason the governor gives for this new law is that he does not want to see young people become more severe criminals by going to jail.
Other states have also decriminalized cannabis for the right reasons. Some being to prepare for setting up medical programs or to work towards full legalization. It is for these reasons the topic is so present in U. S. Newspapers and news programs. Up until a short time ago, individuals breaking the law in many states which have now decriminalized possession as well as usage, faced serious jail time.
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.
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.
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.
Other states recently supporting full legalization of cannabis have created an increased level of support for medical use, or at the very least decriminalization. This includes Texas, the first state to make the herb illegal just over one hundred years ago. A state where citizens were once able to purchase cannabis over the counter, or place an order by U. S. Mail.
While Texas may never see full legalization, it is progress that a bill has passed that allows officers to use "cite and release" measures based on those caught with up to less than four ounces. It is not okay that the law leaves discretion to local authorities as this can promote individual profiling. The main reason the governor gives for this new law is that he does not want to see young people become more severe criminals by going to jail.
Other states have also decriminalized cannabis for the right reasons. Some being to prepare for setting up medical programs or to work towards full legalization. It is for these reasons the topic is so present in U. S. Newspapers and news programs. Up until a short time ago, individuals breaking the law in many states which have now decriminalized possession as well as usage, faced serious jail time.
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.
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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