Tennessee’s governor has signed a invoice to dam an computerized evaluate that might have potentially legalized medical marijuana under state law following the federal rescheduling of the drug.
Under Tennessee legislation, federal reclassification of a substance usually triggers an computerized evaluate by the state’s commissioner of well being and commissioner of psychological well being and substance abuse providers. But beneath SB1603, which Gov. Bill Lee (R) accepted on Thursday, that won’t be the case with regards to hashish.
“If marijuana is rescheduled or deleted as a controlled substance under federal law, then the commissioner of mental health and substance abuse services shall not reschedule or delete marijuana under [state drug laws] unless the general assembly has established a regulatory framework for marijuana and authorized the commissioner to reschedule or delete marijuana as a controlled substance,” the bill says.
The governor’s motion got here on the identical that the the U.S. Department of Justice announced that it is formally moving forward with marijuana rescheduling.
Last month, House Majority Leader William Lamberth (R) stated the push to move cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III of the federal Controlled Substances Act (CSA) could remove roadblocks on the state stage.
“My biggest objections are being resolved by the federal government right now in rescheduling cannabis and rescheduling specifically marijuana and allowing the doctors to take over and make a determination on how and if these substances could be helpful,” Lamberth stated on the time.
But now, with Lee’s motion, there shall be no computerized state scheduling evaluate for hashish following the federal coverage change.
Lawmakers, nonetheless, may at all times go laws to enact legalization—in the event that they select to take action.
To that finish, Rep. Jason Powell (D) final week known as on the governor and legislative leaders to convene a special session focused on legalizing medical marijuana entry for sufferers.
“The suffering of Tennesseans who could benefit from medical cannabis is more than enough reason to bring lawmakers back to Nashville,” he stated. “If the governor chooses not to act, then members of the General Assembly should come together and call a special session ourselves. This issue deserves action this year.”
—
Marijuana Moment is tracking hundreds of cannabis, psychedelics and drug policy bills in state legislatures and Congress this yr. Patreon supporters pledging a minimum of $25/month get entry to our interactive maps, charts and listening to calendar in order that they don’t miss any developments.
Learn extra about our marijuana bill tracker and develop into a supporter on Patreon to get entry.
—
Lawmakers on either side of the aisle in Tennessee mentioned how the federal move to reclassify marijuana could open the door to medical marijuana reform after President Donald Trump issued an govt order in December directing officers to finalize the method.
House Speaker Cameron Sexton (R) stated on the time that rescheduling represents a “first step” to medical cannabis reform in Tennessee, although he famous there are nonetheless sure excellent logistical inquiries to reply.
“There will have to be conversations about who manufactures it, who tests it, who distributes, which medical illness could it be used for, does this require [federal Food and Drug Administration, or FDA] approval and a host of other questions,” Sexton stated.
Marijuana Moment is made doable with assist from readers. If you depend on our hashish advocacy journalism to remain knowledgeable, please contemplate a month-to-month Patreon pledge.
