Tennessee to vote to decriminalize cannabis

Democratic Representative London Lamar has just introduced a bill in the Tennessee House of Representatives. Her goal? To decriminalize the possession of cannabis, up to one ounce (28 grams) per person. The bill also provides for a «free exchange» the exchange of cannabis flowers between two people, without payment, and again, limited to 28 grams.

If the bill House Bill 413 If the bill becomes law, cannabis would remain illegal in Tennessee, but its possession would be tolerated within the aforementioned limits. The bill must now be passed by the Tennessee House of Representatives and Senate. It will then need to be signed by the state’s governor, Republican Bill Lee. If all these steps are completed, cannabis would be decriminalized by July 1. «The well-being of the population demands it», highlights the text by London Lamar.

But that’s likely to be difficult in this southern U.S. state, known for its Appalachian Mountains and the Memphis blues. Governor Lee is not known for being pro-cannabis. During the Tennessee gubernatorial campaign, Bill Lee opposed decriminalization. He was cautious about the medical use of cannabis.

Overwhelming majority of Republicans

«In my opinion, the data isn't substantial enough to show that medical cannabis is the right approach. I would consider other options first.», he had announced during his debate with the Democratic candidate.

This bill, sponsored by London Lamar, is therefore likely to face a difficult path forward. The Tennessee Senate is composed of an overwhelming majority of Republicans. Twenty-seven senators are members of the Grand Old Party, compared with just 6 Democrats.

In March, a Democratic congressman and a Republican congressman had proposed legalizing medical cannabis in Tennessee. Their bill was quickly shelved. Tennessee remains one of the fifteen U.S. states (out of fifty) that refuse to treat patients with cannabis.