Medical bill to be proposed in Tennessee and it might pass.

[Itsmychoice]

The bill's details have not been mentioned but support is taking shape. I would guess it to be similar to what is going on in Florida. A very restrictive medical use application with a few licensed state selected growers. We will see hopefully next week how much support it has and what they have in mind. Rep. Faison seems to be a believer and has put some time into the topic so I am hopeful.
http://www.tennessean.com/story/new...ce-medical-marijuana-bill-tennessee/95197742/

 

[Gypsy Nirvana]

That's good news, another state on the way to legalization, in some form or another.

 

[armedoldhippy]

Tennessee used to have mediweed, but let the legislation sunset when the feds quit supplying the cannabis. the state was pretty much "big-tent" Democratic controlled then, now it is mostly TV preacher haired type GOP used car salesmen except for the larger cities IE Memphis, Nashville, Chattanooga, Knoxville...our legislature now believes that it can imprison its way out of the War on Drugs.

 

[IllegallyAlive]

This is the text of the "bones" of the medical cannabis bill that Sen. Dickerson and Rep Faison will be bringing forward. It is not complete but it is a foundation.

Medical Cannabis Act of 2017 (All forms of the cannabis plant for medical use only)
Decriminalization for the growing, manufacturing, dispensing, and usage of the whole cannabis plant for certain individuals.

• Affirmative defense for patients and caregivers complying with Act (including those having cards issued by other states)
• Legal privilege (no crime) for healthcare professionals recommending use
• Legal privilege for dispensaries and growers complying with Act
Revenues coming from this act, a 5% sales and use tax, will be placed in these categories:
20% TBI specifically ear marked for drug intervention
10% Sheriff Association for drug training
10% Police Chief Association for drug training
20% DIDD community
20% K12 education
20% Veterans Court programs

License will be required from Medical Cannabis Commission ("MCC" - created under Department of Health) – MCC to coordinate and consult with Department of Ag, (DOA) Department of Safety (DOS) and Department of Health (DOH). The MCC (Dept. of Health) will promulgate rules and pricing for license and safety checks. Cost of license limited to no more than 20% of actual administrative costs. MCC is to be centralized authority for Medical Cannabis program.

The Grow – Controlled cannabis cultivation and manufacturing
MCC (through Department of Agriculture) will handle license to grow the cannabis plant.
TN will have 50 Grows. The license for the first 15 have to be given to businesses located in a distressed county (Tier 4 enhancement county).

Grow will be in a warehouse that has the ability to have security (cameras, locks, security).

Each Grow authorized (but not required) to have up to 3 dispensaries (one dispensary at the grow and 2 additional store fronts). Grow also authorized to supply third-party dispensaries and not own or run any dispensaries itself. Grower can be grower only and is not required to have in-house dispensary.
MCC (with collaboration with Department of Safety input) will check for security and will also oversee manufacturing (with collaboration with Department of Health).
"secured facility" not warehouse

The Dispensary – Maximum of 150 dispensaries in state. Store front that is able to sell edibles, vape, oils, patches, creams, smokables, pills, capsules, edibles, etc. as well as paraphernalia.

Dispensary can contract with any grower licensed by the state and is not required to have dedicated in-house grower.

Complete security will be required on all dispensaries. MCC (in consultation with Dept. of Safety) will oversee transportation and security.
MCC (In consultation with Department of Health) will oversee the items available.

All cannabis products subject to 5% sales tax and submitted to the Department of Revenue.

The Healthcare professional – Individuals currently able to prescribe will be able to get a special license from the MCC/department of health after CME’s have been completed. MCC/DOH will promulgate rules for requirements for healthcare professionals. Healthcare professionals will have the ability to recommend to the DOH that a Medical Cannabis card is worthy for patient.

Patient – Patient must have one of the healthcare related problems listed in the law or promulgated by the MCC/DOH. Patient must get a medical card not to cost more than $35.00 from MCC/DOH at the recommendation of the licensed healthcare professional.
Recommending Physician can give a “recommendation” for medical cannabis, which is used by patient to apply for medical cannabis card.

Patient must use cannabis, in whatever form the doctor recommends, in their own home or other private premises, including campers and RVs. Medical cannabis cannot be used in the car or in public. All prohibition laws will apply to a patient who uses anywhere not authorized.

Conditions covered –

MCC to have advisory board to consider and add eligible conditions based on doctor’s findings, TN Higher Ed findings. Conditions to be covered by the Act include:
• Cancer
• HIV/AIDS
• ALS
• PTSD
• M.S.
• Painful Peripheral Neuropathy
• Intractable Pain
• Refractory Seizures
• Seizure Disorder
• Spasticity
• Parkinson’s Disease
• Cerebral Palsy

MCC Advisory Board to have 15-21 members. Members include 2-3 designees / representatives from Departments of Agriculture, Safety, and Health. Speakers of Senate and House of Representatives are to appoint at least 3 persons each – health care background, as well as banking and business backgrounds.

Banking – Commissioner of Financial Institutions to promulgate rules for Tennessee-chartered banks to accept funds from medical cannabis businesses.