By Arline Bradley


A new bill has been presented to the Tennessee House of Representatives. The Koozer-Kuhn Medical Cannabis Act, is a Tennessee marijuana legalization bill that promotes the use of marijuana for medical reasons. Local advocates and organizations have been attempting to make cannabis legal for personal use for decades.

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.

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.

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.

Colorado and Washington, states which recently legalized marijuana for personal use have created a reality in which people across the nation are discussing the issue in public forums, meetings and online. Discussions which in the past could have lead to arrest on suspicion holding or using illegal drugs. This may still be the case in some areas though most feel if marijuana can be legalized in some states, it need be legalized in all.

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 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.

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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