Monday, May 19, 2014

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.

There are supporters on all sides of the issue. In many cases, individuals only support the establishment of a medical program. Others will not vote unless it is for full legalization. Most citizens in Tennessee believe that cannabis need be made available to all whether with or without a hefty sales tax and other guidelines.

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.

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.

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.

In a country where twenty one states have now legalized marijuana for medical use, and where two have legalized the herb for personal use, change is on the way. While Colorado and Washington have chose to make cannabis fully available, there are guidelines. Otherwise, there would be those who simply buy from the local dispensaries to sell at higher prices in areas without such programs.

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.

Medical cannabis is often derived from more potent strains than that being distributed for personal use. This poses a secondary problem for full legalization as more regulation is required when it comes to tax and distribution. One reason being that it is important distribution be done in a way so that those wishing to simply obtain the product then sell at higher price are not allowed to do so.

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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