Tennessee Senate Government Operations Committee
recently approved a bill to legalize medical cannabis (h/t Marijuana Moment).
The bill, promoted by Sen. Janice Bowling, was moved further to the Judiciary Committee. It proposes enabling patients with certain conditions to own and buy cannabis from licensed dispensaries. The legislation doesn’t support cannabis vaping, smoking, or cannabis-infused edibles.
“We should not be making criminals out of people who need help with their health treatment, “ Bowling said.
The bill also recommends a 9% sales tax on cannabis products, enabling local jurisdictions to place an extra tax of up to 2.1%.
In addition, the panel voted against a separate initiative that suggested the formation of a commission, which would prepare legislation for medical marijuana legalization in case of legalization on the federal level. This legislation also moves forward to the Judiciary Committee, but with a negative recommendation.